Australian-Born Ryan Williams Likely To Make India Debut As Khalid Jamil Names Squad For Hong Kong Qualifier Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for the Indian national team after being included in head coach Khalid Jamil’s 23-player squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong on March 31 in Kochi. The 31-year-old winger, who previously played for Australia, has been cleared by FIFA to switch his allegiance to India, allowing him to represent the country at the senior international level. Williams was part of India’s preparatory camp for the Bangladesh qualifier but did not feature in the final squad due to pending documentation. With all formalities now completed, he is expected to debut against Hong Kong. Williams, whose mother is of Anglo-Indian descent, will become the second foreign-born player of Indian origin to represent India after Japan-born Arata Izumi, who played for the national team between 2013 and 2014. Currently a key attacker for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, Williams renounced his Australian passport last year to pursue a career with India. Born in Perth in 1993, he began his professional career in England, joining Portsmouth’s academy in 2010. He made his senior debut for Portsmouth in 2011 and later played for clubs including Fulham and Barnsley. On the international stage, Williams represented Australia at the youth level, participating in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. His only senior appearance for Australia came in a 2019 friendly against South Korea, a non-competitive match that allowed him to switch national teams under FIFA rules. India’s squad for the Hong Kong qualifier includes a mix of experienced players and young talent.#india #ryan_williams #hong_kong #khalid_jamil #afc_asian_cup_2027_qualifier
