The U-23 Tri-Nation International Football Championship 2026 is a three-team youth football tournament held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, from 25 to 31 March 2026. It features India U-23, Bhutan U-23, and Tajikistan U-23, and is organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA).
This is the third edition of the Tri-Nation Series and the first time it is being played at the U-23 level. The primary goal is to help India’s young players prepare for the 2026 Asian Games.
Tournament at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of what the 2026 U-23 Tri-Nation Championship looks like.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | U-23 Tri-Nation International Football Championship 2026 |
| Edition | 3rd (1st at U-23 level) |
| Organiser | AIFF + Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) |
| Host City | Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, India |
| Venue | Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia |
| Dates | 25 March 2026 – 31 March 2026 |
| Teams | India U-23, Bhutan U-23, Tajikistan U-23 |
| Format | Round-robin (3 matches total) |
| Kick-off Time | 7:00 PM IST (all matches) |
| Broadcast | Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV |
| Tickets | SlotAllot App (slotallot.in) |
| Purpose | Preparation for the 2026 Asian Games |
Venue: Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia
All three matches of the 2026 Tri-Nation Championship will be played at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000.
This is only the second international football tournament to take place in Arunachal Pradesh. The first was the SAFF U19 Championship 2025, also held at the same stadium.
For a region known for its passion for football, hosting an international championship is a big deal. It brings top-level football to a part of India that often goes under the radar on the national sporting map.
U-23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026: Full Match Schedule
The tournament follows a round-robin format in which each team plays once against the other two teams. All matches kick off at 7:00 PM IST at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia.
| Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 March 2026 | Bhutan U-23 vs Tajikistan U-23 | Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia | 7:00 PM IST |
| 28 March 2026 | India U-23 vs Bhutan U-23 | Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia | 7:00 PM IST |
| 31 March 2026 | Tajikistan U-23 vs India U-23 | Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia | 7:00 PM IST |
India U-23
India is the host nation and the returning champion of the Tri-Nation Series, having won both the 2017 and 2023 editions at the senior level. This time, though, it is the Blue Colts (India’s U-23 nickname) taking the field.
The team is coached by Naushad Moosa, who has been building a young side with a long-term vision. India enters this tournament coming off their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifier campaign in September 2025, where they narrowly missed out on qualification from Group H.
The squad includes a mix of Indian Super League (ISL) players and young talents from across the country, many of whom are making their international debuts.
Tajikistan U-23
Tajikistan may not be a name that gets football fans in India particularly excited, but do not underestimate them.
The Tajikistan senior national team has risen significantly on the world stage. They reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in their history.
The Tajikistan senior team is currently ranked 101st in the FIFA World Ranking.
Their U-23 side brings a competitive Central Asian style that will give India’s young players a genuine test. This is also Tajikistan U-23’s first appearance in the Tri-Nation Series.
Bhutan U-23
Bhutan may be ranked lower on paper, but they have been making genuine strides in football development in recent years.
For Bhutan U-23, this is also their first appearance in the Tri-Nation Series. Playing against stronger opposition like India and Tajikistan is exactly the kind of competitive exposure their young players need.
Like Tajikistan, Bhutan opens the tournament on March 25, giving both sides an early look at each other before facing India.
India U-23 Squad for the 2026 Tri-Nation Championship
Head coach Naushad Moosa has named a 24-member squad for the tournament. The side features a strong mix of experienced U-23 regulars and fresh debutants.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Dipesh Chauhan, Mohanraj K, Priyansh Dubey |
| Defenders | Dippendu Biswas, Harsh Palande, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Ronney Kharbudon, Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, Subham Bhattacharya |
| Midfielders | Ebindas Yesudasan, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mohammed Sanan K, Shivaldo Singh Chingangbam, Tomba Singh Haobam, Vinith Venkatesh, Zothanpuia |
| Forwards | Adison Singh Thokchom, Lalthankima, Muhammed Ajsal, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Thoi Singh Huidrom |
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Naushad Moosa |
| Assistant Coach | Noel Wilson |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Gumpe Rime |
Muhammed Ajsal (Forward, Kerala Blasters FC)
The 22-year-old forward from Kozhikode has been one of the standout performers for Kerala Blasters in the ISL 2025-26 season. He scored his maiden ISL goal against East Bengal FC and earned his first India U-23 call-up on the back of those performances.
Ebindas Yesudasan (Midfielder, Kerala Blasters FC)
At just 20 years old, Ebindas is one of the squad’s youngest and most exciting prospects. The Thiruvananthapuram native previously featured for the India U-20 side. His ability to move the ball quickly and cover ground makes him one to watch in midfield.
Tomba Singh Haobam (Midfielder, Inter Kashi)
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Inter Kashi has drawn attention this ISL season for his creativity and vision in the final third. His ability to unlock defences with key passes makes him a useful option for Coach Moosa in midfield.
Lalrinliana Hnamte (Midfielder)
Hnamte is one of the more experienced names in the U-23 setup and was part of India’s AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifier squad. His experience adds much-needed stability to the midfield.
Why This Tournament Matters for Indian Football
Here are some points about the importance of the tournament
Preparation for the 2026 Asian Games
The AIFF has explicitly organised this tournament as part of India U-23’s preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.
Football at the Asian Games has been an under-23 tournament since 2002. India has historically struggled to go deep, with their best result being a round-of-16 exit. These friendlies provide match sharpness ahead of that campaign.
Building a Core for Future Senior Team
Coach Naushad Moosa has been consistently using the U-23 window to test new talent. The Tri-Nation series gives him three competitive matches in quick succession.
Several players in this squad, if they perform well, are potential candidates for the India senior national team over the next two to three years.
Promoting Football in Northeast India
Hosting this tournament in Arunachal Pradesh is a deliberate push to grow football in the northeast. The region has produced several national team players and has a strong local football culture.
It is only the second international football tournament ever held in the state, which shows how important this occasion is for local football fans.
India’s U-23 Context in Asian Football
India has never qualified for the AFC U23 Asian Cup. In September 2025, they came close but failed to qualify from Group H (alongside Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam) in the 2026 qualifiers.
Tournaments like this keep the players in competitive shape and help bridge the gap between India and stronger Asian sides.
How to Watch the U-23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026 Live
Fans across India can watch the tournament through the following platforms:
- Sony Sports Network – live television coverage
- SonyLIV – live streaming on app and website
- Kick-off time for all matches: 7:00 PM IST
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for all three matches are available on the SlotAllot app (slotallot.in) as well as at the ticket counter near Yupia Stadium.
If you are based in or near Arunachal Pradesh, this is a rare chance to watch an international football match in your own backyard. Go. You will not regret it.
Sunil Chhetri at the Opening Ceremony
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri graced the opening ceremony of the tournament on March 25, 2026, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.
This was also Chhetri’s first-ever visit to Arunachal Pradesh. He described it as a special experience and expressed his excitement about the passion for football that the people of Arunachal are known for.
Bollywood actor John Abraham, a known football enthusiast, also extended his best wishes for the championship through a video message, saying that football has the power to inspire and create dreams for young people.
Tri-Nation Series India: A Brief History
The Tri-Nation Series was launched by the AIFF in 2017 as a replacement for the discontinued Nehru Cup. The idea was simple: give the Indian national team regular competitive matches without relying entirely on major qualifying campaigns.
| Edition | Year | Host City | Teams | India Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2017 | Kolkata | India, Mauritius, Saint Kitts & Nevis | Winners |
| 2nd | 2023 | Imphal, Manipur | India, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan | Winners (1-0 vs Myanmar; 2-0 vs Kyrgyzstan) |
| 3rd (U-23) | 2026 | Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh | India U-23, Bhutan U-23, Tajikistan U-23 | Ongoing |
India has won both previous editions of the series. The 2023 edition was held in Imphal, Manipur, and drew near-capacity crowds of around 30,000, underscoring the enthusiasm for football in northeast India.
The 2026 edition is notable because it is the first time the tournament is being held at the U-23 level, marking a shift from senior team preparation to youth development.
Why Arunachal Pradesh Was Chosen as Host
The choice of Arunachal Pradesh as the host is part of a broader AIFF strategy to take international football to states beyond the usual metro cities.
Northeast India has historically been one of the most football-passionate regions in the country. States like Manipur, Mizoram, and Meghalaya have produced many of India’s national team players over the years.
By hosting a FIFA International Match Window tournament here, the AIFF sends a clear message: the game is growing, and so is India’s ambition for it.
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U-23 Tri-Nation International Football Championship 2026 Starts From 25th March
The U-23 Tri-Nation International Football Championship 2026 is more than just three matches. It is a step in India’s youth football journey towards the 2026 Asian Games and beyond.
With new faces earning their first call-ups and coach Naushad Moosa looking to build a competitive core, this tournament is worth following closely. Whether you are a football fan or just someone curious about India’s next generation of athletes, keep an eye on Yupia this week.
