India Drawn in Group H for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
India’s U23 national football team is all set to take on Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam in Group H of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, which will be hosted in Qatar from September 1 to 9, 2025.
Group H Teams and Schedule
Competing Teams in Group H
- Qatar (Hosts)
- Bahrain
- India
- Brunei Darussalam
Match Window
- The group stage matches will take place between September 1–9, 2025, in Qatar.
Tournament Format and Qualification
Structure
- 44 nations are participating in the qualifiers.
- Divided into 11 groups with four teams each.
Qualification Criteria
- Top team from each group qualifies automatically.
- Four best second-placed teams will also progress to the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, joining hosts Saudi Arabia.
India’s Road to Preparation
Coaching and Training
- Naushad Moosa has been appointed as the head coach of India U23.
- The team will begin its training camp in Kolkata from June 1.
Friendly Matches
- Scheduled friendlies against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic to prepare for group matches.
What’s at Stake for India?
India, drawn from Pot 3 during the group selection, will face stiff competition from stronger teams like Qatar and Bahrain. A strong showing in the group could earn them a chance to qualify for the main tournament in January 2026.
Conclusion
With young talent and structured preparation, India’s U23 team eyes a breakthrough performance. Group H might be tough, but with early planning and strategic play, India could be one of the surprise qualifiers in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.
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