Blue Tigers Arrive in London Ahead of Unity Cup 2026 Challenge

by Chandler D'silva May 25, 2026

India national football team have arrived in London ahead of their participation in the Unity Cup 2026, marking the team’s return to international football on British soil for the first time since 2002.

The Blue Tigers departed from Bengaluru on Sunday, May 24, after assembling for a short training camp following the conclusion of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season. Head coach Khalid Jamil travelled with a 17-member contingent after Mohun Bagan Super Giant recalled their players from the national camp shortly before departure.

Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari is expected to join the squad separately and arrive in London on Monday, completing India’s 18-member squad for the tournament.

India, currently ranked 136th in the FIFA rankings, will take on Jamaica national football team in the second semi-final of the Unity Cup on May 27 (May 28 IST). The other semi-final will see Nigeria national football team face Zimbabwe national football team a day earlier.

All fixtures will be played at The Valley, the home stadium of Charlton Athletic FC. The tournament will conclude on May 30 with both the final and third-place playoff scheduled for the same day.

India’s squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, led by senior players such as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Lallianzuala Chhangte, alongside promising names including Noufal PN, Ricky Shabong, and Pramveer.

The Unity Cup provides India with an important opportunity to test themselves against higher-ranked international opposition, with Jamaica ranked 71st in the world and Nigeria sitting 26th in the FIFA rankings.

India Squad for Unity Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Albino Gomes

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer

Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Noufal PN, Ricky Shabong

Forwards: Ryan Williams, Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary

Unity Cup 2026 Schedule

Semi-final One
May 26 — Nigeria vs Zimbabwe

Semi-final Two
May 27 — Jamaica vs India

Final and Third-Place Play-off
May 30

Venue: The Valley, London
Streaming: FanCode

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