India replace Malaysia for CAFA Nations Cup 2025: Check Out Blue Tigers' Opponents and Match Schedule

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The Indian Football Team is set to replace Malaysia in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, which will be held from August 29 to September 8 in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

As per a report from Khel Now, Malaysia withdrew because their head coach, Peter Cklamovski, raised concerns about player availability since the tournament takes place outside the official FIFA match window.

India will join Group B in the tournament, facing Iran, Afghanistan, and the host nation Tajikistan in the group stage. As per the report, The final agreements for India's participation are expected to be signed imminently. This tournament marks an important phase for India as preparation ahead of their crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Singapore in October this year.

Currently, India has managed only one win since November 2023 (a friendly against Maldives in March 2025) and is undergoing a transitional phase without a head coach after Manolo Marquez's resignation.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has shortlisted three candidates for the head coach position: Stephen Constantine, Khalid Jamil, and Stefan Tarkovic. As per reports, Khalid Jamil is currently leading the race for the position, and the CAFA Nations Cup will be his first assignment.

CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Groups and Teams

The tournament format includes two groups; Group A features Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Oman, while Group B includes Tajikistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and India. Group winners will contest the final, and the runners-up will compete for third place on September 8.

CAFA Nations Cup 2025 India Matches Schedule

August 29: Tajikistan vs India

September 1: Iran vs India

September 4: Afghanistan vs India

September 8: Final or Third-Place Match (if qualified)

The fixtures provide much-needed competitive exposure before the do-or-die AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in October, where India currently sits at the bottom of Group C after a draw against Bangladesh and a loss to Hong Kong.