The Indian football team is gearing up for its return to international action at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The tournament will start on August 29 in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This marks India’s first major outing since the departure of former head coach Manolo Marquez, who stepped down earlier this year.
The CAFA Nations Cup, first held in 2023, is contested among the senior national teams of the Central Asian Football Association. For the second edition, India and Oman were invited as special participants. In fact, India steppedin after Malaysia withdrew due to logistical issues.
Eight teams will compete in the tournament, divided into two groups. India find themselves in Group B alongside Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Group A consists of Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman. All of India’s group-stage matches will take place at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.
The Blue Tigers face a stern test, particularly against Iran, the top-ranked side in the competition. Iran is currently ranked world No. 20 in FIFA. Tajikistan (106) and Afghanistan (161) also pose challenges, while India sit at 133 in the global standings. With only the group winners advancing to the final and the runners-up contesting a third-place playoff, the margin for error is slim.
India’s campaign begins against hosts Tajikistan on August 29. It will be followed by a clash with heavyweights Iran on September 1. They wrap up their group stage with a meeting against Afghanistan on September 4. Should they advance, the final awaits in Tashkent’s Milliy Stadium, while the third-place match will remain in Hisor.
Iran won the inaugural edition of the CAFA Nations Cup in 2023, defeating Uzbekistan in the final. This time, with the inclusion of India and Oman, the competition promises an even more diverse test of regional football strength.
The tournament also serves as crucial preparation for India, who are set to resume their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October. The Football Federation of India is going to finalize a new head coach before the Blue Tigers take the field. Currently, there are three candidates in contention for the role.
The coming weeks will test India’s resilience against higher-ranked opponents. It will also mark the beginning of a new chapter for the national team. For the players, the CAFA Nations Cup offers both exposure and a chance to measure themselves against some of Asia’s most competitive sides.
With regional pride at stake and crucial match experience on offer, all eyes will be on the Blue Tigers as they step into Central Asia looking to make a mark.
