The Indian football team is set to compete in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, replacing Malaysia, which withdrew from the tournament citing logistical challenges. The second edition of the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) event will be jointly hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from August 29 to September 8.
India’s participation comes at a crucial juncture, as the Blue Tigers look to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round. Having secured just one point from their first two qualifying matches, India sit bottom of their group, making every upcoming fixture a must-win. The CAFA Nations Cup provides an ideal platform to build momentum ahead of the back-to-back Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October.
Key Fixtures Ahead in Group B
India have been placed in Group B alongside hosts Tajikistan, defending champions IR Iran, and Afghanistan. Their campaign begins against Tajikistan on August 29, followed by matches against Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4 — all to be played in Dushanbe.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the play-offs scheduled for September 8. The two group winners will face off in the final in Tashkent, while the runners-up will contest the third-place match in Hisor.
India Eyes Fresh Start After Coaching Change
This will also mark India’s first international assignment under a new head coach, following the recent departure of Manolo Marquez. The new appointment is expected on August 1, with names like Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and Stefan Tarkovic in contention.
India, currently ranked 133rd in the FIFA rankings — their lowest in nearly a decade — will aim to reverse a 16-month winless streak in competitive matches. The CAFA tournament offers a chance for the team to reset after their group-stage exit at the 2024 AFC Asian Cup
India and Oman Join as Guest Nations
The eight-nation tournament includes six CAFA members — Afghanistan, IR Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Oman are the two invited teams. Group A comprises Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman.
India’s CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Fixtures
August 29: Tajikistan vs India
September 1: India vs Iran
September 4: Afghanistan vs India
Group B: Tajikistan (H), IR Iran, Afghanistan, India
Group A: Uzbekistan (H), Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Oman
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