Igor Stimac’s 28-man probable India list for the upcoming qualifiers of Asian Cup 2027 and 2026 FIFA World Cup is rich with plenty of young talents being called up to the National team. Some of the youngsters that will be donning the national jersey are worth keeping an eye on. Let’s take a look at the top 5 young talent that will carry the responsibility of putting India at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup.
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Lalchungnunga (East Bengal FC)
Lalchungnunga is a centre back playing for Kolkata Giants East Bengal FC in this season’s ISL. The 23-year-old wasn’t named in the squad in East Bengal’s first two matchdays. However, the young defender broke into Carles Cuadrat’s team from the third match and has started the last two matches of East Bengal against Bengaluru FC and FC Goa respectively. He has previously represented the India U-23s but this qualifier will be a chance for the youngster to make his debut in the senior national colours.
Akash Mishra (Mumbai City FC)
Akash Mishra has been a regular in Des Buckingham’s Mumbai City FC set up this season. The left-back starting all five games of the Indian Super League for the Islanders. The former Indian Arrows and Hyderabad FC player has also featured in all of MCFC fixtures in the AFC Champions League. The youngster also impressed national team coach Igor Stimac. Akash made his debut under Stimac in 2021 and has played 23 matches for the national team since. The 21-year-old’s burst of pace from the left flank is worth watching out for.
Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Liston Colaco has been a vital cog in the Juan Ferrando’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant team for quite some time now. The 24-year-old has played in various position ranging from winger to a left midfielder. He has already scored and assisted a goal this season, having started all of Mariners’ games. He has had 17 starts for the national team since 2021, but he is yet to score a goal in national colours. Colaco will be itching for his first goal for the Indian senior team in the upcoming qualifiers.
Mahesh Naorem Singh (East Bengal FC)
Mahesh Naorem Singh has impressed in the Red & Gold colours since the start to the season. The 24-year-old has scored for the Kolkata Giants twice in the first four matches of Indian Super League. The winger is a regular in Carles Cuadrat’s team. He has presented himself as one of the bright spots of EBFC. Naorem made his debut for the national team earlier this year. He has already made 14 appearances for Igor Stimac’s side, netting the ball three times in national jersey.
Lalengmawia Ralte (Mumbai City FC)
Lalengmawia Ralte or Apuia is one of the popular youngsters of Mumbai City. He took the ISL stage by storm by becoming the youngest player to ever captain an Indian Super League club, by doing so for NorthEast United at the age of 20 years and 44 days in 2021. He has played every minute for the Islanders in this season’s ISL, scoring a goal. His run in the national team hasn’t been consistent though. He has played in 11 matches for the national team since making his debut at 21 but is yet to score in national colours.
Editors pick
