The 2025-26 Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy will be the 79th edition of the competition. This edition is groundbreaking in tournament history, as the AIFF has introduced a new rule affecting state squad selections. The new player eligibility rule, effective from this edition, was implemented by the AIFF Competitions Committee. It states that only players born within the territory of a member association are eligible to represent that state in national football championships. This move was made to use the competition to develop local talents, barring teams from fielding out-of-state players, except the two institutional teams, Railways and Services. Up to two players can be registered under the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) or Players of Indian Origin (PIO) category.
Each member association or states are allowed to register a maximum of 40 players. However, it has been decided that the squad size for the Santosh Trophy will be reinstated to 22 players for each stage of the championship. That includes a minimum of two goalkeepers. The final selection of players from the Final Round of the Santosh Trophy shall be made from the initial list of 40 players registered before the group stage. Additions of further players outside of the list are not permitted. AIFF hopes this will ensure competitive balance in the competition. The first round of the Santosh Trophy begins on 15 December 2025, with 38 teams competing to qualify for the Final Round, where last edition’s winners West Bengal, runners-up Kerala and the round host Assam have received a direct entry.
Here is the full squad list of all teams in the first round of the 2025-26 Santosh Trophy
Group A
Jammu and Kashmir (TBD)
Ladakh
Goalkeepers: Tsewang Norboo, Padma Wangchok, Stanzin Dawa
Defenders: Tsewang Rahula, Stanzin Wangdan, Tsering Namgial, Imran Ali,
Midfielders: Tsewang Sangdup, Stanzin Jigmet, Stanzin Gacho, Altaf Hussain
Forwards: Jigmet Stanzin, Mohammad Hassnain, Imran Hassan, Mohmad Ilyas, Abid Ali
Others: Arif Hussain, Stanzin Sangyas, Stanzin Chosphel, Rahul Dorjey, Mohd Hussain, Asif Ali
Head Coach: Tony Thomas
Himachal Pradesh (TBD)
Punjab (TBD)
Group B
Chandigarh (TBD)
Uttarakhand (TBD)
Haryana (TBD)
Uttar Pradesh (TBD)
Group C
Railways (TBD)
Jharkhand (TBD)
Delhi (TBD)
Bihar (TBD)
Group D
Tripura
Goalkeepers: Budha Debarma, Surajit Jamatia
Defenders: Aniket Jamatia, Sabat Jamatia, Raj Jamatia, Asif Ali, Sukanta Jana, Bittu Jamatia
Midfielders: Bhakta Jamatia, Venga Darlong, Dakheswari Singh, Santajoy Reang, Subham Debbarma
Forwards: Javeda Darlong, Debasish Roy, Bilash Debbarma, Pritam Sarkar, Amit Jamatia, John Jamatia
Head Coach: Dinesh Pradhan
Manipur
Goalkeepers: Paonam Singh, Abujam Singh
Defenders: Pritam Kumar, Shanti Kumar, NG. Jarish, Sadananda, Kabiraj, Mattan Ramrar, Amit Kumar, Rohit Takhelmayum
Midfielders: Amarjit Singh, Hemam Singh, CH. Akash, Loyanganba, M. Arif, Armstrong Ramungnao, PH.Sanathoi
Forwards: Dhanachandra, KH. Bidyasagar, L. Ronal
Head Coach: Kamei Rongmei
Nagaland
Goalkeepers: Ato T Awomi, Mengulhoukho Chalie, Chuba Nuchet Longkumer
Defenders: Thejangulie Zatsu, Moalong Jamir, Bokato Awomi, Namang Yimjong, Menoneikho Nakhro, Zarenthung Justin Ngullie, Benrithung
Midfielders: Ato Chophi, Ghuqhe Chishi, Bapenyimjong, Toka Achumi, Hivika Zhimo
Forwards: S Ayenmongba, Yhoto Lohe, Thulunso Yimchunger, Laiwang Bohham, Manton K Wangshu
Head Coach: Lavoriyi Theluo
Mizoram
Goalkeepers: Joel Lalramchhana, RS Lallawmzuala
Defenders: Stephen Lalrinfela, Lalchhanchhuaha, Lalhunruata, Lalhumhima, Lalbiakzuala Diltlang, Lalhmangaihsanga Farkawn, Ricky Venglai
Midfielders: Kiran Chhetri, Ricky Sangau, Champhai, Sailo Venglai, Robena Melbuk / Ramnunpuia Farkawn, Willis Siaha, Freddy Lalrinkima, Lalnunzira Sailo
Forwards: Lalthanzuala Lunglei, Bethlehem Vengthlang
Head Coach: Lalruatliana Sailo
Group E
Meghalaya (TBD)
Arunachal Pradesh (TBD)
Sikkim (TBD)
Group F
Madhya Pradesh (TBD)
Chhattisgarh (TBD)
Odisha (TBD)
Telangana (TBD)
Group G
Tamil Nadu (TBD)
Andhra Pradesh (TBD)
Pondicherry (TBD)
Andaman & Nicobar (TBD)
Group H
Goa (TBD)
Karnataka (TBD)
Lakshadweep
Goalkeepers: Shameer Shaikh, Shafeeque, Afthab Raheem
Defenders: Mudassir Khan, Muhammed Khubaib, Mohammed Rafi, Sabirali Babu, Sayid Muhammed, Mohammed Shammas
Midfielders: Thafruque, Noorudheen, Nizamudheen, Mohammed Sinan, Shanawaz Khan, Mohammed Bilal
Forwards: Nizamudheen, Akhtarudheen, Mohammed Thouyyib, Abul Mazroor, Mohammed Aslam
Head Coach: CM Deepak
