India’s men’s national football team is set to participate in the maiden CAFA Nations Cup. They would be added to host countries Uzbekistan and Tajikistan along with other regional powers. The tournament takes place from August 29 to September 8. It will shine a light on the burgeoning football landscape in Central Asia, particularly following Uzbekistan’s incredible World Cup qualification story.
The CAFA Nations Cup will feature six men’s teams from the Confederation of Central Asia Football Association (CAFA). That’s right — these teams are Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. This second edition of the tournament comes after a successful inaugural event in 2023, which was taken home by Iran. Of regional interest would be Oman, which received an invite for the second consecutive time.
The enthusiasm and optimism surrounding the tournament has put India in a precarious situation. In this context, the Indian Super League (ISL) finds itself without a coach, on the edge of implosion. This puts the national team in a very precarious position. Sunil Chhetri, India’s legendary veteran striker, did not mince his words while addressing the alarming state of Indian football.
“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with.” – Sunil Chhetri
The 2023 CAFA Nations Cup marks an historic victory for regional cooperation through sporting competition. The tournament highlights a historical thaw in diplomatic relations between Central Asian countries. These countries have experienced rising tensions and war since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Whatever else it accomplishes, organizers hope this new platform will lead to more international cooperation and development within the sport.
It’s notable that Kazakhstan is not competing in the competition, particularly since it’s a member of UEFA. At the same time, the inclusion of powerhouses such as Iran and Uzbekistan underlines the high rivalry character of this regional tournament. As the major qualifying platform for FIFA’s 2026 World Cup, the CAFA Nations Cup is immensely important. What’s more, it boosts morale and common purpose between all the countries that take part.
“With one month to go, preparations are in full swing to deliver a tournament aimed at developing football and strengthening international collaboration across the region.” – CAFA
While Kazakhstan’s absence from the competition is notable due to its membership in UEFA, the participation of teams like Iran and Uzbekistan highlights the competitive spirit of this regional tournament. The CAFA Nations Cup not only serves as a qualifying platform for FIFA’s 2026 World Cup but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared ambition among participating nations.
