Goa express interest to host one of India's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

The last time Goa hosted an international game was in 2018.

The Goa Football Association (GFA) has requested more time from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in order to submit a comprehensive bid to the AIFF as they are keen to host one of India’s home matches during the 2026 qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup.

In a letter that was sent out to all state associations earlier this month, the AIFF expressed their excitement over receiving offers to host the three FIFA World Cup 2026/Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. At least five states, including Delhi, Assam, Odisha, Kerala, and Bengal, submitted applications for the competition. Within the following twenty-four hours, it is predicted that Goa would be added to the list.

AIFF Secretary General’s take on this

According to TOI, the AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran said, “We have competitive bids from several state associations and a decision on the hosts will be taken in the next two or three days. We want to host the matches at the best possible venues but there are certain circumstances which we need to consider before making a decision.” The home games for the qualifiers will take place at three separate locations, as stated by Shaji Prabhakaran.

The Goa Football Association (GFA) is planning to try to host the qualifying match in March, in which India will be paired against whoever emerges victorious from the playoff between Mongolia and Afghanistan. The majority of state associations are excited to host the high-profile matches against Asian champions Qatar (November 21) or heavyweights Kuwait (June 6, 2024).

GFA’s thoughts on hosting the matches

The Goa Football Association (GFA) is very keen in hosting the qualifier matches in their state because Goa last hosted an international football match in 2018, when India and Myanmar played out a 2-2 draw in a qualifying match for the AFC Asian Cup.

Here’s what a senior GFA official told TOI: “It’s been too long that Goa has hosted an international football game. The November game against Qatar will come too soon while June is a bit risky since there is a possibility of early rains. For us, it will be best to host the game in March, even though it will be the least glamorous clashes. We are just waiting for a confirmation from the state government.”

In the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) second round of qualifying matches, India are placed in Group A with Qatar and Kuwait, and the winner of the play-off between Afghanistan and Mongolia.

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