The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that Khalid Jamil will now take charge of the Indian senior men’s football team on a full-time basis for the next two years. There’s also an option to extend his contract by another year, depending on results.
From Jamshedpur FC to the National Team – Khalid Jamil Takes Over as India’s Head Coach
Jamil, who recently parted ways with ISL side Jamshedpur FC, has already signed his contract with the AIFF. His first training camp with the Blue Tigers will kick off on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. His first big challenge will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India will face hosts Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4 in Group B.
Crucial Matches Ahead in October
Come October, Jamil will lead the team into two important AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore, scheduled for October 9 and 14.
Khalid Jamil on His Appointment
Speaking about his new role, Jamil said, “I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading our national team.
“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to train Indian players, and I’ve grown to understand their strengths and weaknesses intimately. These insights will be fundamental to everything we do as we prepare for the CAFA Nations Cup and the upcoming crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore.”
First Indian Coach Since 2012
Khalid Jamil steps into the role after replacing Manolo Marquez, whose contract was ended by the AIFF last month. He also becomes the first Indian to coach the men’s national team since Savio Medeira in 2012.
A Wealth of Coaching Experience
With years of coaching experience in both the Indian Super League and the I-League, Khalid Jamil has managed some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC, and Mumbai FC. His most famous achievement came in the 2016-17 season, when he led Aizawl FC to a historic I-League title.
Most recently, during his stint with Jamshedpur FC, he guided the Red Miners to the final of the 2025 Super Cup, as well as the semi-finals of both the ISL 2024-25 play-offs and the 2024 Super Cup.
From Midfielder to National Coach
Before his coaching career, Khalid Jamil was a midfielder for the Indian national team, earning 15 caps. He made his debut in the 1997 SAFF Championship in Nepal, where India lifted the trophy, and went on to be part of the squads for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the 2001 Merdeka Tournament.
Success as a Player
At club level, he enjoyed a successful playing career, winning the National Football League, two Federation Cups, and two IFA Shields with Mahindra United. He also played for Air India and Mumbai FC. In domestic competitions, he represented Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy, winning the title with them in 1999.
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