India to play their first match in CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on August 29; check full schedule

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Published at :August 25, 2025 at 7:54 PM

Modified at :August 27, 2025 at 4:43 PM

India will begin their campaign against the co-hosts, Tajikistan.

The Indian National team is set to play in the CAFA Nations Cup for the first time. The Blue Tigers were invited to the tournament when Malaysia decided to withdraw, citing the unavailability of players. The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 will feature 8 teams, including the likes of IR Iran and Uzbekistan.

India have been placed in Group B alongside co-hosts Tajikistan, IR Iran, and Afghanistan. The Indian team is going through a transition as the Blue Tigers have a new manager at the helm. Khalid Jamil has been recently appointed, and this will be his first assignment as the national team head coach.

Also Read: Khalid Jamil announces India national team squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025

India to play Tajikistan on August 29

Five major talking points of Khalid Jamil's first provisional India squad

The Blue Tigers will face their first assignment in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on August 29 when they take on Tajikistan. The biggest challenge for India will be to face the Asian giants, IR Iran, who are also the defending champions of the tournament.

The Khalid Jamil-led side will clash with Iran on September 1. Following a recuperation period of two days, India will be back in action on September 4 against Afghanistan. All these matches will be held at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.

Group A will be hosted by Uzbekistan. The fixtures for Group A teams will start on August 30. The co-hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Oman are in Group A. The runners-up, Uzbekistan, will play their first match on August 30 against Oman at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent.

This will be the marquee clash of the group as Oman are the second-highest team in FIFA rankings. September 5 will mark the conclusion of Group A fixtures with the clash between Turkmenistan and Oman.

The two group toppers will directly qualify for the finals, whereas, runners-up will play the third place match. Both these matches will be played on September 8. The final will be played at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.

CAFA Nations Cup 2025 full schedule

August 29: IR Iran vs Afghanistan, 5:30 PM IST
August 29: India vs Tajikistan, 9:00 PM IST
August 30: Kyrgyzstan vs Turkmenistan, 5:30 PM IST
August 30: Uzbekistan vs Oman, 8 PM IST
September 1: India vs IR Iran, 5:30 PM IST
September 1: Afghanistan vs Tajikistan, 9:00 PM
September 2: Oman vs Kyrgyzstan, 5:30 PM
September 2: Turkmenistan vs Uzbekistan, 8 PM
September 4: Afghanistan vs India, 5:30 PM
September 4: Tajikistan vs IR Iran, 9:00 PM
September 5: Turkmenistan vs Oman, 5:30 PM
September 5: Uzbekistan vs Kyrgyzstan, 8 PM
August 8: Third Place match
August 8: Final

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Navtej Vatsa

Navtej is all about narrating stories of human endeavour shaped by sporting excellence, from 22 yards to lush green pitches and buzzing arenas. With a background in broadcasting, he has a keen eye for compelling narratives that keep readers hooked. He primarily covers football and cricket, capturing the magic of two of the world’s most beloved sports.