In a sudden twist to the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup lineup, India has stepped in to replace Malaysia, which withdrew from the tournament due to logistical challenges.
The Central Asian Football Association confirmed that the fixture dates—August 29 to September 8—remain unchanged despite the late switch.
India’s inclusion marks a fresh start for the Blue Tigers, who are undergoing a coaching transition following the departure of Manolo Marquez earlier this month. His exit came after a string of winless performances that culminated in a group-stage exit at the 2024 Asian Cup. A new head coach is expected to be appointed on August 1, with top contenders being Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and Stefan Tarkovic.
The tournament draw places India in a challenging group alongside defending champions Iran, 2023 Asian Cup quarterfinalist Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
- India vs Tajikistan – August 29
- India vs Iran – September 1
- India vs Afghanistan – September 4
Should India defy the odds and finish in the top two, the team could advance to the play-off round on September 8, with the final set to be held in Tashkent and the third-place match in Dushanbe.
The Blue Tigers, currently ranked 133rd, are aiming for a dramatic course correction in Central Asia. With tough opponents and a fresh tactical vision soon to be unveiled, the tournament could prove pivotal in reshaping the narrative of Indian football.
