India’s national football team is set to face Hong Kong on March 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST in a match that is considered a dead rubber for both teams, as they are already out of contention for qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup.
Ryan Williams, aged 32, will make his debut for the India national football team after completing his citizenship process in late 2025. Williams, who renounced his Australian citizenship to qualify for India through his Anglo-Indian roots, expressed relief at finally being eligible to play. “There have been two kinds of relief. The first was getting the Indian passport in my hand, which took a lot longer than we would have liked, and then, being eligible to play now,” he stated.
India’s squad for the match includes notable players such as goalkeepers Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Vishal Kaith, alongside defenders like Sandesh Jhingan and Akash Mishra. Midfielders Ashique Kuruniyan and Sahal Abdul Samad are also part of the lineup, with forwards including Farukh Choudhary and Liston Colaco.
Despite the match having no impact on the standings, head coach Khalid Jamil emphasized its importance, stating, “This is a very important match for us. We must not take it lightly. We are ready for this game, and we need your support, especially this time.” He added, “Even though we are out, we want to finish on a good note.”
India currently sits at the bottom of their group with zero points, while Hong Kong recently suffered a 2-1 defeat to Singapore in their penultimate match. The upcoming game provides an opportunity for India to restore confidence and build momentum for future competitions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in the squad or strategies as the match date approaches. Observers will be keen to see how both teams perform in this inconsequential fixture, which nonetheless carries significance for the players involved.
