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Khalid Jamil discusses India’s FIFA friendly team for Panama, Brazil, Uruguay games, focusing on merit and 2027 Asian Cup goals.
Rahul Bheke, Vishal Kaith, Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jeakson Singh have missed out on India’s squad for FIFA friendlies (Picture credit: Instagram @jackthouna)
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil has said that he has selected the team for the three FIFA friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in terms of performance and merit, adding that all the deserving players made it to the 26-footballer list.
India will play the aforementioned countries in the September-October FIFA window in three big-ticket friendlies, which will be played in Bengaluru and Kolkata.
Former India skipper Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Lallianzuala Chhangte, FPAI Player of the Year Liston Colaco, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, the Golden Glove winner at the recent Durand Cup and East Bengal midfielder Jeakson Singh were among the notable omissions from the team announced earlier this week.
Jhingan, Bheke and Chhangte were part of the XI when India played Tajikistan in their last international friendly in June.
“I have selected players according to their merits and performance. It isn’t like we have selected 26 players. We don’t have to take all of them. If someone is not performing well, he will go back within two days,” Jamil said while speaking to PTI.
“It isn’t like I did not give anyone a chance. I saw everyone. Whoever deserves to be there, I gave him a 100% chance. And whoever got a chance but did not perform, he will get another chance,” Jamil added.
The India coach said that the changes were part of a long-term plan to build a team capable of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.
“Many changes were made because we are building a team for the future. Our main target is next year, in 2027. Asia Cup qualification. Overall, whatever the football requirement is, we will do it,” Jamil said.
“Even set-pieces, we have to be good. Attacking, defending. Then, after attacking, comeback, defense. So, overall, we have to be good in all situations. Everybody must be strong in defensive and attack as well,” Jamil added.
Quick Answers
Ask News18To regain their spots in the squad, omitted players must raise their level of performance. Head coach Khalid Jamil has emphasised that selection is based purely on merit and performance, and players must perform well to be included.
Ask News18September 03, 2026, 17:33 IST
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