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Counting down towards the FIFA U-17 World Cup that is scheduled to kick off on 6th October, we bring you all the information regarding the Indian squad and the global carnival of football next month in India.

The largest country in the subcontinent is about to throw open its arms to the footballing fraternity at large as 24 countries from six confederations will be competing for one of the biggest honors in youth football, with matches being hosted in six cities across the country. Delhi will get to host India’s group matches while Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai will be the other five venues for the World Cup.

24 teams are divided into six groups with hosts India being in Group A alongside USA, Ghana and Colombia.

Luís Norton de Matos was appointed in February 2017 to lead the nation to its maiden entry into the world stage. It will be the first time ever that a team representing India will participate in the finals of a FIFA-organised world tournament, let alone the Under-17 World Cup. Here is the complete list of 25 member Indian squad that will participate in the World Cup.

*Aman Chetri has been ruled out of the World Cup now due to an injury.

The Indian squad, though is filled with some exciting talent to watch out for:

Aniket Jadhav broke into the footballing scene as a 14-year-old and went to represent India in the FC Bayern Munich Youth Cup in 2014. Being a part of the AIFF setup ever since, the striker has won caps for the nation at all levels and has established himself as Matos’ trusted man up front leading the Indian attack, hoping to be the next Indian goal machine. Suresh Singh Wangjam, the skipper has been a calming influence, anchoring his team from the midfield. Leadership comes easily to the Manipuri-born, who was adjudged the best player of the 2014 Nike Manchester United Premier Cup’s India leg.

Anwar Ali joined the squad in April 2017 after he caught Matos’ eye when his Minerva Academy beat the national team 1-0 in March. An assured presence at the back, Anwar was first called up during Adam’s tenure but failed to make the cut initially.

Abhijit Sarkar is most comfortable when he is ruling the attacking third with his dazzling display. Besides ball control and dribbling skills, what sets him apart is his ability to take quick decisions – a rare quality among Indian players. Abhijit is versatile and can play as a winger, a supporting striker or even a defensive midfielder.

Komal Thatal, the No. 10 midfield player, a product of Namchi Football Academy, has proven his abilities with his smooth handling of the ball and menacing pace which is very difficult to deal with for opposition defenders.

India play against the US on 6th October, followed by matches against Colombia on 9th October and Ghana on 12th October whereas the World Cup final will be played in Kolkata on 28th October.

Book your tickets for the World Cup at : https://india2017wc.kyazoonga.com/VenueMatches/Jawaharlal-Nehru-Stadium-New-Delhi/1531