Kochi frontrunner to host India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match
AFC rejects Ranchi as a potential venue for India vs Hong Kong.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, has emerged as the frontrunner for hosting the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match between India and Hong Kong on the 31st of March 2026. Ranchi, which was shortlisted as a potential venue, has been rejected by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as the stadium failed to meet several infrastructural benchmarks following the inspections.
As a part of taking the game into newer pockets, the Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi, was an option considered by the AIFF.
Boasting a capacity of 35000, the stadium has not hosted any international football matches and is primarily used by the Jharkhand men’s and women’s football teams. However, citing the infrastructural deficits, the JLN Stadium, home of the Kerala Blasters FC, is likely to host the Qualifiers match.
The Greater Cochin Development Association (GCDA), which owns the stadium, held a press conference on the 11th of February along with the Kerala Blasters FC to confirm that the JLN Stadium would be the home ground for the Blasters for the Indian Super League 2025-26. The GCDA Chairman, in the conference, hinted at the possibility of the stadium hosting an international match in March.
“Even though not crystallised, currently, we have an offer for hosting an international match between India and Hong Kong. The date for the event has been identified as March 31st. The Asian Football Confederation will conduct a visit to inspect the Kochi stadium. We are yet to receive a final confirmation from the concerned authorities. Only after that can we reveal further details,” said the GCDA Chairman, K Chandran Pillai
“Following the renovations at the stadium, the JLN Stadium has been a venue that everyone has been looking forward to. Apart from the India vs Hong Kong match, we have got multiple other offers. However, they are way too premature to disclose,” the Chairman added
Why does Kochi emerge as a potential venue?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, has seen a massive renovation in recent months, undertaken in the anticipation of a possible visit of the Argentine National Football Team led by Lionel Messi. Even though there is no clarity on Messi’s arrival, the stadium has been upgraded to higher standards.
The field of play has been upgraded to international standards. The majority of the seating has been replaced with new chairs. Tiling and sanitary fittings works have been completed across the medical rooms, home and away dressing rooms, toilets and other general areas.
As per prescribed standards, a 770-metre outer wall and a 510-metre inner wall have also been built. Drainage lines were fixed, and tree guards were installed.
The halogen lights of the stadium are to be replaced with LED lights, providing better visibility, and the repair works on the floodlight’s steel frames have completed. The earthing system has been strengthened by installing additional earthing pits.
With the completion of these works, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, now stands as one of the finest football stadiums in India.
With a modern playing surface, world-class infrastructure, and upgraded facilities, the stadium is fully equipped to attract and host major international and national football events in future.
The JLN Kochi has one of the highest average attendances in the ISL
The footballing craze of Kerala is not something that needs introduction. The JLN Stadium has been close to packed almost every time Kerala Blasters FC enters the field for their ISL Matches. With an impressive 80.9% capacity utilization in the 2023/24 season, the atmosphere in Kochi is unparalleled.
The average attendance of 28,297 demonstrated the unwavering support of Blasters fans who create a sea of yellow and blue for their beloved club.
However, despite this, the stadium has not hosted an international football match due to its infrastructural issues. Now, following the infrastructural upgradations, the JLN can be a likely venue for the India vs Hong Kong match.
If the match is all clear to take place at Kochi, it will be no surprise if the stadium is jam-packed with fans, but this time, instead of a yellow sea, the stadium will turn Blue.
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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.