Sunil Chhetri Farewell: India name 27-member squad for World Cup Qualifier vs Kuwait

India head coach Igor Stimac has named a 27-member squad for Sunil Chhetri’s farewell match – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata.

A total of 32 players had been camped in Bhubaneswar, with Phurba Lachenpa, Parthib Gogoi, Imran Khan, Muhammad Hammad, and Jithin MS being released. Stimac said, “All of them were very professional and hard-working. The competition is really strong amongst them, especially in the positions of Jithin and Parthib. Parthib and Hammad suffered minor injuries a few days back and will need 7-14 days of rest.”

The remaining players will continue to train in Bhubaneswar till May 29, when they will head to Kolkata. The Blue Tigers will face Kuwait at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on June 6 before heading to Qatar on June 11 for their final two Group A fixtures. India are presently ranked second in the group, with four points after four matches. The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

India Squad For FIFA World Cup Qualifier Against Kuwait
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.