India U-17 team to face UAE in friendlies ahead of Asian Cup

By  News On Air   Apr 16, 2026

India’s Under-17 men’s football team will play two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates in Thailand, beginning tomorrow. The second match will be played on the 21st of this month in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

The 24-member Indian squad arrived in Thailand yesterday ahead of the two matches. According to the All India Football Federation, the friendlies are part of both teams’ preparations for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 and will be played behind closed doors.

In the AFC U17 Asian Cup, to be held in Jeddah next month, India will face Australia on 6th May, Uzbekistan on 10th May, and DPR Korea on 13th May in Group D.