India Set for Closed-Door Bhutan Friendly to Prep for Remaining AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
India’s senior men’s national football team will take on Bhutan in a closed-door practice match in Bengaluru on November 13, as part of its preparations for the remaining third-round fixtures of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
While the Blue Tigers have already been eliminated from Asian Cup contention, they still have two qualifying matches left to play: a showdown with Bangladesh on November 18 and a home game against Hong Kong next year to wrap up their campaign.
This isn’t the first time India has opted for a closed-door friendly ahead of Asian Cup qualifiers. Under former head coach Manolo Marquez, the side faced Bengal’s Santosh Trophy team in a similar practice match in May 2025 before traveling to Hong Kong for their qualifier.
Current head coach Khalid Jamil previously prepared for his first competitive fixture in charge—the qualifier against Singapore—by participating in the CAFA Nations Cup. However, with limited competitive action available (only the Super Cup and AFC Champions League 2, exclusive to FC Goa), Jamil is relying on the Bhutan friendly to provide his players with valuable match experience. The former Aizawl FC and Jamshedpur FC boss, who closely monitored the Super Cup, has also called up Under-23 international Mohammad Sanan for the November international window.
Additionally, the upcoming fixtures could mark the appearance of Ryan Williams—who recently renounced his Australian passport to gain Indian citizenship—while India’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer Sunil Chhetri will not feature, having announced his retirement earlier this month.
India Probables Squad for November International Window:
- Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil
- Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan
- Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Brison Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam
- Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh, Ryan Williams
- Head Coach: Khalid Jamil
