The Indian men's U23 team is set to face Qatar in a crucial Group H match in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, a game that could significantly impact India's chances of qualifying for the tournament for the first time. Following their 2-0 victory over Bahrain, India will play Qatar at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 22:30 IST.

India's U23 squad began their qualifying campaign with a strong performance against Bahrain, with goals from Muhammed Suhail and Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh securing a 2-0 victory. Suhail's opening goal was a solo effort, and Shivaldo sealed the match with a close-range finish in the final minute. The win has boosted the team's confidence as they prepare to face a strong Qatari side.

Qatar, however, presents a formidable challenge. They started their campaign with a dominant 13-0 win over Brunei Darussalam, demonstrating their attacking capabilities. Coach Naushad Moosa acknowledged the difficulty of the task, stating that Qatar is one of the best teams in Asia. He pointed out their reliance on short passes, quick switches, and wing play, emphasizing the need to stop these movements.

Qualifying for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia depends on winning the group, with only the eleven group winners guaranteed direct qualification. The four best second-placed teams from across all groups will also qualify. Therefore, the match against Qatar is crucial for India's qualification hopes.

Moosa has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline throughout the game against Qatar, highlighting that the team cannot afford any lapses. Reflecting on the Bahrain game, Moosa credited the team's preparation and collective effort during their 20-day camp in Bangalore and friendlies in Malaysia against Iraq. He noted that the players displayed aggression and teamwork, which contributed to their success.

Despite Qatar having the advantage of playing at home, Moosa believes his team has adapted well to the conditions in Doha. He noted that they have been in Doha for almost a week, have played a game, and have trained regularly, allowing them to acclimatize to the weather. Additionally, the later match time should minimize the impact of the conditions.

Looking beyond the immediate match, Moosa emphasized the importance of the campaign for the squad's development. He believes that winning would significantly improve their chances of advancing, leading to more camps, friendlies, and better preparation for future competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games. He stressed that continuity is key to their long-term success.