The Indian men’s football team is gearing up for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, where they have been drawn into Group C. The qualifiers’ third round, scheduled between March 2025 and March 2026, will determine the six group winners that advance to the tournament in Saudi Arabia.
India’s Opponents in Group C
India will face the following teams in Group C:
| Team | FIFA Ranking (Nov 2024) |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 156 |
| Singapore | 161 |
| Bangladesh | 185 |
India is the highest-ranked team in the group at 127th and has a favorable draw to secure their third consecutive Asian Cup appearance.
India’s Fixtures Schedule
The matches will follow a home-and-away format over six matchdays:
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 25, 2025 | India vs Bangladesh | Home |
| June 10, 2025 | Hong Kong vs India | Away |
| October 9, 2025 | India vs Singapore | Home |
| October 14, 2025 | Singapore vs India | Away |
| November 18, 2025 | Bangladesh vs India | Away |
| March 31, 2026 | India vs Hong Kong | Home |
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Coach Manolo Marquez’s Vision
India’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, emphasized the importance of finishing at the top of Group C. “We are a Pot 1 team, and we must show why we are the favorites to qualify. While every match poses challenges, we are focused on showcasing our dominance,” Marquez said.
He also highlighted improvements in the Hong Kong team under coach Ashley Westwood, as well as India’s familiarity with Bangladesh and Singapore through previous encounters.
Recent Head-to-Head Encounters
India has faced all three opponents in recent years:
| Opponent | Last Encounter | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 2021 SAFF Championship | 1-1 Draw |
| Hong Kong | June 2022, AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers | 4-0 Win for India |
| Singapore | September 2022, Hung Thinh Tournament | 1-1 Draw |
Implications of Qualifying
Achieving qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 would be a historic milestone for Indian football, marking the first time the Blue Tigers have qualified for three consecutive Asian Cups. This achievement would enhance India’s footballing profile across Asia and inspire growth in the sport domestically.
India’s campaign in Group C presents a strong opportunity to secure their spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027. With a balanced group and home advantage in critical fixtures, the Blue Tigers are well-positioned to achieve their goal. The qualifiers begin on March 25, 2025, with India hosting Bangladesh.
