Khalid Jamil has announced a 28-man preliminary squad for the 2026 Unity Cup as preparations intensify for the tournament in London, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
The India national football team will assemble in Bengaluru for a short training camp following the conclusion of the Indian Super League season before departing for London on May 24.
Jamil is expected to assess the players during the camp before trimming the squad down to 23 for the competition.
“The Unity Cup will be the perfect opportunity for us to prepare for official tournaments like the SAFF Championship later this year,” Jamil said.
“We need to utilise every available FIFA International Window to prepare for the tournaments we have ahead.
“We have selected the 28 players for the preliminary squad based on their performances in the ongoing ISL. We will have a couple of days to assess them before we pick the final 23.”
India, currently ranked 136th in the FIFA rankings, will face Jamaica national football team in the second semi-final on May 27.
In the other semi-final, defending champions Super Eagles, ranked 26th in the world, will take on Zimbabwe national football team.
Jamil believes the tournament will provide valuable experience for his players against higher-ranked opposition.
“We are playing against strong teams that compete at a very good level. I think these matches will give a lot of confidence to the players and help us improve. We should play more matches like these,” he added.
Nigeria remain the defending champions of the Unity Cup after defeating Jamaica on penalties in the 2025 final held in London.