World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Stimac names 35 probables ahead of India's clash vs Afghanistan
Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh make a return to the squad after recovering from their respective injuries while five new players have also been called up.
Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac on Thursday named a 35-probables list for their upcoming matches against Afghanistan in the Round Two of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. India's two matches against Afghanistan are set to take place later this month.
The Blue Tigers will resume their FIFA World Cup qualifiers campaign with an away match against Afghanistan in Abha, Saudi Arabia, on March 21. Subsequently, India's home fixture against Afghanistan is set to take place in Guwahati on March 26.
Sandesh Jhingan is unavailable due to an injury sustained during the AFC Asian Cup. On the other hand, Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh, who missed the continental showpiece due to injuries, have been recalled to the squad.
The roster also includes five newcomers - Amey Ranawade, Jay Gupta, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Imran Khan and Isak Vanlalruatfela, all earning their maiden call-ups.
The list of probables:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Phurba Tempa Lachenpa, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Subhasish Bose, Narender Gahlot, Anwar Ali, Roshan Singh Naorem, Amey Ranawade, Jay Gupta.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Deepak Tangri, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Lalengmawia Ralte, Imran Khan.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Nandhakumar Sekar, Isak Vanlalruatfela.
