India misses AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 qualification

The Indian national team missed the qualification for his very first AFC Under-23 Asian Cup after Bahrain lost 1-2 on Tuesday to Qatar with 1-0 in a group H qualification.

The Blue Colts needed Bahrain to beat Qatar with no more than two goals for the men of Naushad Moosa to go the top of the group because of a better head-to-head target difference between three bound teams and qualified for next year’s continental tournament as one of the 11 group stoppers.

Bahrain had taken the lead in the 71st minute, but two late goals in stopping time saw the Qatar side ending its campaign as a group stopper. Results of other groups also did not go for the Blue Colts.

India ended his campaign in second place, achieved two wins in three games and finished the fifth best second-placed team-all the four best second teams joined the 11 table toppers in next year’s continental tournament.

Earlier in the day, India placed six past Brunei and did not allow a must-win match in its qualifying campaign. Vibin Mohanan scored a hat trick, Mohammed Aimen took a brace, while Ayush Chhetri also found the back of the net against the side that ended up in the bottom of the group.

India had kicked off its AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Bahrain before he fell on a 1-2 loss against Qatar.

Published on September 10, 2025