/sportzpoint/media_files/b3267617-ba0f-4d01-91ac-a15303d8e46c.jpg)
The Indian National Football Team will go against its Asian counterpart Bangladesh in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on March 25, 2025.
It’s time for the #AsianCup2027 Qualifiers! 🏆
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 24, 2025
Catch 🇮🇳🆚🇧🇩 LIVE only on @JioHotstar & @StarSportsIndia 3
🕖 19:00 IST
🗓️ March 25#INDBAN #ACQ2027 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/4XDsOniv4q
The Blue Tigers faced the Red and Green in the opening game of the 2021 SAFF Championship, which was also their last meeting in competitive stages. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri’s goal was canceled out by Yeasin Arafat in the final quarter of the game, ending the game in a 1-1 stalemate.
However, India and Bangladesh will lock horns in an even more significant match-up, as the teams will leave no stone unturned to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
From possible starting XIs to team news and head-to-head stats, here is everything you need to know about the India vs Bangladesh match in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
Match Details
Match: India vs Bangladesh
Date: 25 March 2025
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, (Polo Ground), Shillong
Broadcasting and Streaming Details
Football fans in India can watch the live broadcasting of the match on Star Sports Network. The match will also be streamed live on the JioHotstar app, and the JioHotstar website.
Team News
India
The Blue Tigers have thumped Maldives 3-0 in the first international outing in 2025, stamping a victory after 489 days. Manolo Marquez also earned his first victory as the Head Coach of the national team.
However, India will take up a different challenge against Bangladesh on Tuesday, eyeing a good start to the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. India was drawn with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh in Group C, as the campaign will commence against the Bengal Tigers.
With the third consecutive Asian Cup finals appearance at stake, India will look for ways to capitalize on the home advantage in the primary stage of the qualification round.
Captain Sunil Chhetri's comeback from retirement has inspired the Indian team, as the 40-year-old netted a goal in the game against Maldives, and will lead the Blue Tigers from the front against Bangladesh as well.
In the meantime, midfielder Brandon Fernandes has been sidelined due to an injury he suffered during the Maldives match. Forwards Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, and defender Asish Rai have previously left the Indian squad for different injuries.
Manolo Marquez has called up Udanta Singh, another experienced winger along with Macarton Nickson, who has received his maiden call-up for the national team.
🇮🇳⚡️#BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/JNJr5xBFoJ
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 21, 2025
India's fixtures in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Third (Final) Round:
March 25, 2025: India vs Bangladesh (home)
June 10, 2025: Hong Kong vs India (away)
October 9, 2025: India vs Singapore (home)
October 14, 2025: Singapore vs India (away)
November 18, 2025: Bangladesh vs India (away)
March 31, 2026: India vs Hong Kong (home)
Bangladesh
Although the Bengal Tigers have qualified for the Asian Cup only once in 1980, they have been handed a boost with the arrival of Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who has switched his allegiance to Bangladesh. back in December 2024.
The 27-year-old midfielder has played for Leicester City and has made 57 appearances in the Premier League, whereas he has also represented England U-21 in seven matches.
Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera has previously worked in Indian football as he was the assistant coach of Sporting Clube de Goa between 2013 and 2015.
Jamal Bhuyan, the Bangladeshi skipper is another crucial piece in the Bengal Tigers’ attacking line-up, having emerged from the FC Copenhagen youth ranks and spending a year at Sol De Mayo, a third-tier Argentine side in 2023-24.
Cabrera will also have his full squad available for selection ahead of this huge game against India.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Squad Against 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YHYyeJ1afG
— Bangladesh Football Live (@bdfootball_live) March 20, 2025
Predicted Line-ups
India
Vishal Kaith (GK); Rahul Bheke, Valpuia, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Apuia, Ayush Chhetri; Farukh Choudhary, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Liston Colaco; Sunil Chhetri
Bangladesh
Mitul Marma (GK); Md Saad Uddin, Shakil Hossan, Topu Barman, Isa Faysal; Hamza Choudhury, Mohammad Ridoy; Jamal Bhuyan, Al-Amin, Rakib Hossain; Shahriar Emon