CAFA Nations Cup
The 2025 edition marks the second edition of the biennial tournament.
Co-hosted by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the tournament is scheduled to run till September with the eight teams divided into two groups, including two invited nations – Oman and India.
Iran’s form and depth
Having lifted the title in 2023 with a perfect campaign, Iran arrive as the favourites and see the competition as both a test of depth and opportunity after finishing top of their group to secure qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has named a squad which boasts a blend of youth and experience with notable absentees including Alireza Beiranvand, Saeed Ezatolahi, Ali Gholizadeh, Mehdi Ghaedi and Sardar Azmoun.
However, the presence of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi and Saman Ghoddos will guide the younger players to ensure they remain strong contenders to retain the title with an opening day fixture against Afghanistan on Friday.
Redemption on home soil
Having narrowly missed out on the title in 2023, Uzbekistan are determined to go one better in front of their own fans.
Their strength lies in a talented generation of youth players, who are transitioning into the senior side and they enter with confidence having announced the likes of Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov and forward Eldor Shomurodov in the squad.
Timur Kapadze’s men will be out to maintain their impressive form, reaching their first-ever FIFA World Cup with their opener against Afghanistan on Saturday.
Rising ambitions
Tajikistan enter the competition with momentum following their steady progress including a historic AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 debut. The Central Asians will certainly use the atmosphere at the Hisor Central Stadium to their advantage.
Paired in Group B alongside Iran, Afghanistan and India, Tajikistan will fancy their chances to go further this time around, having exited in the group stage in 2023. Tajikistan face debutants India in their opener on Friday.
Experienced competitors
Oman return as invited guests after securing third place in 2023 and their presence makes them worthy contenders to reach the knockout stage.
Having missed their chance to earn an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup, Oman will be aiming to use the tournament to tune their squad ahead of the playoffs, where an additional two tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be at stake.
A tough encounter against Uzbekistan awaits them in their opening match on Sunday.
Debutants
Making their debut appearance, India step into the CAFA Nations Cup as late replacements for Malaysia.
India arrive at the tournament with renewed purpose with head coach Khalid Jamil at the helm for his first assignment, having taken over the role from Manolo Narquez.
The 48-year-old is relishing the tough task of navigating his team through Group B, where heavyweights Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan await with veteran forward Sunil Chhetri omitted from the squad.
Late call-ups were East Bengal’s Anwar Alim Baorem Mahesh Singh and Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, who will join experienced goalkeeper Gupreer Singh Sandhu.
Fixtures
Friday
Group B
Iran v Afghanistan (17:00, UTC+5)
Tajikistan v India (20:30, UTC+5)
Saturday
Group A
Kyrgyz Republic v Turkmenistan (17:00, UTC+5)
Uzbekistan v Oman (19:30, UTC+5)
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