The Indian football team will kick off its AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign in March, with Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium hosting two key fixtures. Before their first qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25, the Blue Tigers will warm up with an international friendly against the Maldives on March 19.
This marks a historic moment for Shillong, as the JLN Stadium will host senior men’s international matches for the first time since its renovation last year. The 15,100-seater venue, known for hosting domestic tournaments like the Durand Cup and I-League, is ready to welcome international action.
India’s March Fixtures
March 19, 2025:
India vs Maldives | International Friendly | 7:00 PM
March 25, 2025
India vs Bangladesh | AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier | 7:00 PM
India enters the qualifiers with a point to prove after a disastrous AFC Asian Cup 2024 campaign, where they failed to register a single win or even score a goal. This poor run has seen them slip to 126th in the FIFA rankings.
Placed in Group C alongside Hong Kong (155th), Singapore (160th), and Bangladesh (185th), India is the highest-ranked team in the group. However, given their inconsistent form and ongoing squad transition, they cannot afford to take any opponent lightly.
The qualifiers will follow a home-and-away format until March 2026, with only the group winners earning a direct spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Therefore, securing a victory against Bangladesh in the opening match is crucial for India—not just for qualification hopes but also to build confidence for the long campaign ahead.
The upcoming matches in Shillong will be a litmus test for head coach Manolo Marquez and his squad. A strong start is necessary to regain momentum and prove that India remains a competitive force in Asian football. The home crowd in Shillong will undoubtedly play a vital role in lifting the team as they embark on their journey toward AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification.
