Bangladesh name 23-man squad for FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia

Bangladesh have announced a 23-man squad for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia, which runs from 24 September to 5 October 2026. The squad was revealed ahead of group-stage matches in Jakarta, beginning with a meeting against Malaysia on 25 September.

Drawn into Division 1 Group A with hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, Bangladesh entered the tournament after replacing India following the Blue Tigers’ withdrawal; the All India Football Federation cited a scheduling conflict with a friendly against Brazil at Salt Lake Stadium on 3 October 2026 and prioritised that fixture, and the Bangladesh Football Federation accepted an invitation from Indonesia. Photos from the national team’s training sessions accompanied the announcement as preparations continued ahead of the opener against Malaysia.

The 23-man list includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards. Midfield options named in the squad include Hamza Choudhury, the face of the nation, Shamit Shome and Jamal Bhuyan, who are expected to feature in the centre of the park.

Three new faces were highlighted in the selection: Farhaan Ali Wahid, who played for Boreham Wood FC and previously featured in Fulham and Chelsea’s youth squads and received Premier League Player of the Month awards while playing for Fulham’s U21 team; Shuki Itofusa, currently at Fortis FC in the BFL as a primary left wing option; and Zidane Alexander Yousuf, an 18-year-old centre back who is currently a free agent after featuring for Walton & Hersham’s youth squad.

Bangladesh’s group fixtures in Jakarta are: September 25 – Bangladesh vs Malaysia; September 28 – Singapore vs Bangladesh; October 1 – Indonesia vs Bangladesh. The team’s first match in the competition is scheduled for 25 September in Jakarta.

Bangladesh will open their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign against Malaysia on 25 September in Jakarta, which serves as their first Group A fixture in the tournament.