India U23 vs Bahrain U23 AFC U-23 Asian Cup: Live Stream and TV Channel Details

The AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers kick off on Wednesday, with the Indian football team determined to create history by qualifying for the main draw for the very first time. Drawn in Group H, India will compete against Bahrain, hosts Qatar, and Brunei Darussalam, with all matches scheduled in Doha, Qatar. Only the 11 group winners and the four best second-placed teams will secure their spots at the tournament, which takes place in Saudi Arabia from January 7–25, 2026.

India U-23 National Football Team vs Bahrain U-23 National Football Team News

India, under head coach Naushad Moosa, head into the qualifiers after playing two tough closed-door friendlies against Iraq U23, losing 2-1 and 3-1. Despite the defeats, the games gave India valuable exposure against a strong side. Moosa stressed the importance of taking it “one match at a time,” highlighting the opening clash with Bahrain as decisive for momentum.
India’s squad features a blend of young talents across positions, with goalkeepers Sahil, Mohd Arbaz, and Dipesh Chauhan, defensive anchors like Bikash Yumnam and Pramveer, and attacking threats such as Parthib Sundar Gogoi and Muhammed Suhail.
Bahrain, led by Ali Abdulmajed, head into the fixture with a mixed run of form. The coach acknowledged India’s strength, calling the contest “a 50-50 match.”

Recent Form

India’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with the U23 side showing glimpses of potential but also struggling in key areas. Across their last five games, India managed only one win, a narrow 1-0 victory over Bangladesh, while suffering heavy defeats to stronger sides like China (1-5) and the UAE (0-3). Their lack of goals—just three scored in five matches—highlights finishing as a major concern. Bahrain, on the other hand, also entered the qualifiers with inconsistency. They earned a morale-boosting 2-1 win over the UAE but failed to build momentum, losing to Syria, Oman, North Korea, and South Korea. Both teams have defensive vulnerabilities and find it difficult to maintain attacking rhythm, which sets up an evenly poised clash where small margins could make the difference.

Match Preview

This clash sets the tone for Group H, with both sides desperate to open their campaigns with a win. India’s strength lies in its midfield engine, with players like Vibin Mohanan and Ayush Dev Chhetri providing energy and creativity. The pace of Parthib Sundar Gogoi and Sreekuttan MS in attack could trouble Bahrain’s defence if they get service in the final third.
Bahrain will look to exploit India’s defensive lapses, as seen in recent defeats to China and the UAE. Their compact setup and reliance on counter-attacks may test India’s backline, where Bikash Yumnam will be crucial in keeping things tight.
With both teams aiming for their first points in the qualifiers, expect a closely contested battle where set pieces and individual brilliance could decide the outcome.

How to Watch India U23 vs Bahrain U23 Live Stream & TV Channels

The India U23 national football team vs Bahrain U23 national football team game will be streamed across various platforms in multiple countries. Here is where to watch India U23 vs Bahrain U23 across different regions.

India U-23 vs Bahrain U-23 Predicted Lineups

Here are Sportsdunia's India U-23 vs Bahrain U-23 predicted Lineups:

India U-23 National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Sahil; Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Harsh Arun Palande, Ricky Meetei Haobam; Vibin Mohanan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Lalrinliana Hnamte; Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Muhammed Suhail, Sreekuttan MS

Bahrain U-23 National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Al-Doseri; Al-Shaikh, Abdulkarim, Al-Fardan, Al-Rumaihi; Al-Dhaen, Jasim, Mahfoodh, Al-Nuaimi; Al-Ajmi, Al-Shaaban

India U-23 vs Bahrain U-23 Kick-Off Time