Overview

• India’s men’s team will open its Group B campaign against hosts Tajikistan in Dushanbe on August 29 and later face Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4.
• The eight-team CAFA Nations Cup takes place from August 29 to September 8 with group matches in Dushanbe and Tashkent before concluding play-offs on September 8.
• The tournament features six CAFA member nations alongside invited sides India and Oman to enhance regional football ties.
• Following the group stage, the top two teams from each pool advance to play-offs, with winners contesting the final in Tashkent and runners-up meeting for third place in Dushanbe.
• Iran returns as defending champion after edging Uzbekistan 1-0 in the inaugural 2023 final.