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The Indian national football team will take the field against Maldives in a FIFA International Friendly match on 19 March 2025, scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Before the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifying campaigns begin next week, India and the Maldives will face each other to prepare for their respective matches in the third qualifying round.
The teams will meet for the first time after October 2021, when India defeated Maldives 3-1 in the 2021 SAFF Championship group stage. Currently, India is ranked 126th in the FIFA International Men's Ranking, whereas Maldives is positioned 162nd.
Last time out against Maldives 🔙🇲🇻
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 14, 2025
🏆 SAFF Championship 2021
⚽️⚽️ @chetrisunil11
⚽️ @manvir_singh07
5️⃣ days to go for #INDMDV 🇮🇳🆚🇲🇻 in Shillong!
🎫 Tickets coming soon on https://t.co/m3nmyLyj2h 🔜#BlueTigers #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/xCcjcEgCHP
From possible starting XIs to team news and head-to-head stats, here is everything you need to know about India vs Maldives FIFA International Friendly match in the March 2025 FIFA int'l window.
Match Details
Match: India vs Maldives
Date: 19 March 2025
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, (Polo Ground), Shillong
Broadcasting and Streaming Details
Indian football fans can watch the India vs Maldives friendly match streamed live on Star Sports Network. The match will also be streamed live on the JioHotstar App and the JioHotstar website.
Head-to-head stats
Matches played: 21
India Wins: 15
Malaysia wins: 4
Draws: 2
Team News
India
It has been almost 18 months since India last experienced a victory in an international fixture, which came against Kuwait, beating them 1-0 away from home in the second round of World Cup Qualifiers.
India is yet to win a match under Igor Stimac's successor Manolo Marquez since his appointment in July 2024. India suffered a goalless draw against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup 2024, which was also the Spaniard's debut game in charge; and the Blue Tigers lost their second match by 0-3 against Syria.
During the international break in October, India was held to a 1-1 against Vietnam in a friendly, and again, shared the spoils against Malaysia in a 1-1 stalemate in November 2024.
Matchday minus 2️⃣🐯🇮🇳#BlueTigers #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tD2Kcnz2Xe
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 17, 2025
However, the Indian team will commence their journey in the Qualifiers to reach the third consecutive Asian Cup next week as they will face Bangladesh on March 25. Manolo will also leave his position at FC Goa at the end of the season to focus solely on the national side.
Manolo Márquez names the India squad for March FIFA Window 🇮🇳
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025
🗣️ Márquez: "The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the National… pic.twitter.com/TlwShiL7hb
Indian legend Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement to play for India again, but star forward Lallianzuala Chhagte has been sidelined due to an injury. Defender Asish Rai has been ruled out as well and will be replaced by Tekcham Abhishek Singh, who got his maiden national call-up.
Last 5 matches: L D L D D
Maldives
Maldives has only played two friendlies in the last 18 months, both against Bangladesh in November 2024. The Red Snappers won the first one 1-0 but faced a 1-2 defeat in the following match.
However, after the controversial departure of former head coach Francesco Moriero in 2023, Ali Suzain was appointed as the new head coach, which marks his second spell at the helm.
Suzain has picked up a relatively younger squad for the clash against India, which will help them to analyze the team better before they start their Asian Cup qualifying campaign in the next week as well. Maldives will face Philippines on 25 March to begin their quest to reach Asian Cup 2027.
Maldives has no current news of any concerning injury, as they will have their full squad fit and available for the encounter against India.
Last 5 matches: L D L W L
Predicted Line-ups
India
Vishal Kaith (GK); Naorem Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose; Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia; Brandon Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad; Sunil Chhetri
Maldives
Hussain Shareef (GK); Hussain Sifaau, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Hassan Shifaz; Irfan, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Hussain Nihan, Ahmed Aiham, Mohamed Naim; Hassan Naiz, Ali Fasir