Indian Football Calendar 2025-26: Key Dates, Teams, And Events

India’s football scene is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released the schedule for both the men’s and women’s national football teams. This includes various age groups and plenty of international competitions. The upcoming season promises a lot of action, with India aiming to improve its footballing presence on the global stage.

Key Teams in Action

Senior Men’s Team

The Indian senior men’s football team, known as the Blue Tigers, will have a packed schedule. They will play during multiple FIFA windows in 2025 and 2026. These windows are crucial for qualifying for international tournaments. For example, India will take part in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers from 15th to 26th October 2025. The Blue Tigers will aim to improve their FIFA ranking, which is currently at 127th.

Senior Women’s Team

The senior women’s team, the Blue Tigresses, also has a busy calendar. The AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers are scheduled between 7th to 18th May 2025. The team will also compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in February 2026. These competitions will help the team build for future challenges and improve the growth of women’s football in India.

U-20 and U-17 Men’s Teams

The U-20 men’s team will compete in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers in mid-2025. Similarly, the U-17 team will participate in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers in November 2025. These tournaments are vital for building a new generation of players who could make their way into the senior national team in the future.

U-20 and U-17 Women’s Teams

The women’s youth teams will also be in action. The U-20 women’s team will take part in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers in August 2025. The U-17 women’s team will compete in their qualifiers in October 2025. Both teams will aim for the final tournaments in 2026, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent at a continental level.

Futsal Competitions

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers in 2026 will be another highlight. This fast-paced format will give Indian players a chance to gain exposure and compete with some of the best teams in Asia.

Full Schedule and Important Dates

Here’s a look at the key events and dates for Indian football in 2025-26:

A Bright Future Ahead

The 2025-26 season for Indian football is packed with opportunities. With the AIFF’s focus on developing young players, the country is working towards a brighter future in football. The international tournaments and qualifiers will help the players gain valuable experience and improve the overall quality of football in India.

The men’s and women’s teams, both senior and youth, will have plenty of chances to shine on the international stage. The AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, as well as the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, will help India’s footballers to challenge themselves against top teams. These events not only provide important learning experiences but also pave the way for future success.

By participating in these competitions, India hopes to continue building a strong football culture, from grassroots to professional levels. This busy schedule in 2025-26 is a step towards achieving that goal and putting Indian football on the global map.

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