India to Play in CAFA Nations Cup, AFC Cup

India has been invited to participate in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, scheduled in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from August 29 to September 8, where they will compete against Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. This opportunity comes amid ongoing challenges for the men's team, including a vacant coaching position and domestic league instability, as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Separately, the Indian women's football team has been drawn into Group C for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, facing Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei from March 1 to 21, 2026. The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams will qualify for the quarter-finals, with World Cup spots at stake. India’s women, ranked 70th globally, face tough competition in their group, marking their first tournament appearance since 2003. These developments highlight India's expanding role and ambitions in Asian football.