India’s preparations for the next phase of international competition received a significant boost as U-23 head coach Naushad Moosa announced a 24-member squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Friendlies to be held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.
The tournament, featuring India, Bhutan, and Tajikistan, will take place during the March FIFA International Match Window, offering a crucial platform for emerging talent to gain international exposure.
Scheduled between March 25 and 31, all matches will be played at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:00 IST. While Bhutan and Tajikistan will open the tournament on March 25, India will begin their campaign against Bhutan on March 28, followed by a sterner test against Tajikistan on March 31.
Strategic Importance of the Tournament
For Moosa and his staff, this tri-nation series is more than just a set of friendly fixtures. It is a carefully planned opportunity to assess the next generation of Indian footballers in a competitive international environment.
With the U-23 level often serving as the final transition phase to the senior national team, these matches provide valuable insights into player readiness, tactical adaptability, and mental resilience. The timing of the tournament, aligned with the FIFA window, ensures that the squad benefits from uninterrupted preparation and match rhythm.
The 24-member squad reflects a blend of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking depth. The goalkeeping unit features Dipesh Chauhan, Mohanraj K, and Priyansh Dubey three players who have shown consistency at the domestic level. In defence, Moosa has opted for a versatile group, including names like Ricky Meetei Haobam, Pramveer, and Subham Bhattacharya. The defensive line-up suggests a focus on players who can operate across multiple positions, offering tactical flexibility depending on the opposition.
The midfield appears to be the core strength of the squad. Players such as Lalrinliana Hnamte, Vinith Venkatesh, and Mohammed Sanan K bring a mix of technical ability and work rate, while Macarton Louis Nickson and Shivaldo Singh Chingangbam add attacking impetus from deeper positions. This combination is likely to support a dynamic, possession-based approach.
Up front, the attacking unit includes promising forwards like Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Thoi Singh Huidrom, and Muhammed Ajsal. Their inclusion points to an emphasis on pace, movement, and the ability to press high—key attributes in modern football.
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The choice of Yupia as the host venue marks another important step in expanding football’s footprint across India. The Golden Jubilee Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh will host only its second international tournament, following the successful staging of the SAFF U19 Championship in 2025.
Bringing international fixtures to the Northeast aligns with the broader vision of decentralising football development and tapping into regions with strong footballing cultures. For local fans, this tournament offers a rare opportunity to witness international football up close, while also inspiring grassroots participation.
Moosa’s squad selection indicates a focus on adaptability and proactive football. Against Bhutan, India are expected to dominate possession and control the tempo, using width and quick transitions to break down defensive structures. The match against Tajikistan, however, is likely to present a different challenge. Known for their physicality and structured play, Tajikistan will test India’s defensive organisation and ability to handle high-intensity situations.
These contrasting styles make the tournament an ideal testing ground for tactical variations, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with formations and combinations.
The U-23 setup plays a critical role in India’s football ecosystem. It acts as a bridge between youth competitions and the senior national team, ensuring continuity in playing philosophy and player development. For many players in this squad, strong performances in Yupia could pave the way for senior team call-ups or opportunities in higher-level competitions. The tournament also allows the coaching staff to identify areas of improvement, both at the individual and team levels.
Moosa will be supported by assistant coach Noel Wilson and goalkeeping coach Gumpe Rime. The presence of an experienced support staff ensures that players receive specialised guidance across all aspects of the game, from tactical preparation to physical conditioning.
As Indian football continues to focus on building depth and consistency, tournaments like the Tri-Nation Friendlies become increasingly significant. They not only provide match experience but also help establish a competitive culture within the squad.
India will enter the tournament with expectations of strong performances, particularly given the home advantage and familiarity with conditions. However, the emphasis will remain on development, cohesion, and executing the team’s tactical plans effectively.
The announcement of the India U-23 squad marks the beginning of an important phase in the team’s evolution. With a balanced squad, a clear developmental objective, and the advantage of playing on home soil, the Tri-Nation Friendlies in Yupia offer an ideal platform to test and refine the next generation of Indian footballers.
For Naushad Moosa and his team, the focus will be on more than just results it will be about building a cohesive unit capable of stepping up to the demands of international football in the years ahead.
INDIA U23 MEN’S SQUAD
(U-23 Tri-Nation International Friendly Tournament 2026)
Goalkeepers
Dipesh Chauhan, Mohanraj K, Priyansh Dubey
Defenders
Dippendu Biswas. Harsh Palande, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Ronney Kharbudon, Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, Subham Bhattacharya
Midfielders
Ebindas Yesudasan, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mohammed Sanan K, Shivaldo Singh Chingangbam, Tomba Singh Haobam, Vinith Venkatesh, Zothanpuia
Forwards
Adison Singh Thokchom, Lalthankima, Muhammed Ajsal, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Thoi Singh Huidrom
Head Coach
Naushad Moosa
