India’s Football Team Operates Under Tight Security for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier vs Bangladesh

India’s national football team is set to take on Bangladesh in the final-round AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at Dhaka’s National Stadium today, with the match broadcast on India’s Fancode app from 7:30 PM IST. A key backdrop to the clash is the ongoing political tension between India and Bangladesh, prompting stringent security measures for the Blue Tigers since their arrival in Dhaka on Saturday.

The team has been under a security bubble, with guarded movement between their hotel, the Armed Police Battalion Ground for training, and the National Stadium for Monday morning’s official session. This fixture holds special significance as it marks the first time the two sides have faced off on Bangladeshi soil in 22 years—generating immense excitement among local fans. All tickets have sold out, and officials anticipate a crowd of around 22,000 to pack the stadium.

Khalid Jamil Leads Rebuilding Amid Security Focus

Having already been eliminated from qualification contention, India head coach Khalid Jamil aims to use the match as a platform to experiment with his squad and kickstart the team’s rebuilding phase. He expressed hope that the heightened security would not distract his players, as they seek to end their campaign on a positive note.

Jamil was joined by 19-year-old goalkeeper Sahil at the pre-match press conference—one of several new faces in the squad. Sahil, who represented India at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup two years ago, currently serves as the third-choice goalkeeper behind veteran Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Hrithik Tiwari, and is in line for his senior team debut. Alongside Sahil, up to six other players could make their first senior international appearances, while Brison Fernandes and Macarton Louis Nickson—who have just two caps each—are eager to feature in the high-stakes clash.

Ryan Williams Misses Out Due to Pending Clearances

Despite securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Football Australia, newly naturalized forward Ryan Williams will not be available for selection. Sources confirm the former Australian citizen—who renounced his passport to gain Indian citizenship—still awaits final FIFA clearances. The deadline to name the matchday squad (11:59 PM IST on Sunday) has passed, ruling him out of today’s fixture.

With Sunil Chhetri no longer part of the national setup, players like Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mahesh Singh Naorem, and Vikram Partap Singh will need to step up to lead India’s attack and secure the team’s first win of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign.