India has been confirmed as a late entrant in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup after Malaysia withdrew from the tournament citing logistical difficulties. The Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) expressed disappointment at Malaysia’s decision, which came despite prior agreement on tournament dates.
“Malaysia’s participation had been confirmed well in advance, with full awareness of the tournament dates (29.08 – 08.09.2025) and schedule, and those dates have never been changed from the beginning,” CAFA said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this late withdrawal has caused certain disruptions to the ongoing organisational processes, particularly given the advanced stage of planning and preparations.”
The Harimau Malaya’s exit has paved the way for India, whose men’s national team will feature in the tournament for the first time. The competition will also mark a new chapter for the Blue Tigers, who are set to play under a fresh head coach following Manolo Márquez’s departure earlier this month by mutual consent.
At the Nations Cup, India has been drawn into a challenging group with defending champions Iran, 2023 Asian Cup quarterfinalists Tajikistan, and regional rivals Afghanistan. Their campaign begins against Tajikistan on August 29, followed by matches against Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4. The top two teams from each group will advance to the play-off stage, culminating in the final in Tashkent on September 8, while the third-place playoff will be held in Dushanbe the same day.
For India, the competition represents both a trial and an opportunity. The team is currently ranked 133rd, its lowest FIFA ranking in nearly a decade, and has struggled for form, enduring a winless streak in competitive matches that extends back 16 months. Its most recent setback was a group-stage exit at the 2024 Asian Cup, which ultimately led to coaching changes.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to name a new head coach on August 1, with Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and Stefan Tarkovic understood to be on the shortlist. Whoever takes charge will be tasked with stabilising a side in transition and inspiring an upturn in fortunes on an international stage.
With the chance to face strong opponents like Iran and Tajikistan, the Blue Tigers could earn vital ranking points if they manage to pull off an upset. More importantly, the tournament provides a stage to reset ambitions and measure progress as Indian football seeks to rebuild momentum.
