'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.
Several Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have hinted at uncertainty regarding their participation in the 2026-27 season due to ongoing issues surrounding the domestic top-tier competition. The clubs are reviewing their commitment beyond the current season amid disagreements with the AIFF over commercial partnerships and league structure.
The India U-17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lebanon. Pritika Barman scored twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added to the scoreline, securing India's place in the next round.
Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.
Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.
Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the squad for World Cup warm-ups amid reports of expulsion over alleged disloyalty, sparking controversy.
Kiran Pisda, an Indian footballer with international experience, showcased her versatility by playing as a goalkeeper for Chhattisgarh in the Khelo India Tribal Games.
The match simmered, waiting for a spark, until Al Zawraa found it on the cusp of half-time. Hassan Abdulkareem's clever ball found Kadhim Raad, who cut back for Reziq Banihani. A messy deflection, a ricochet off Nim Dorjee Tamang, and the ball nestled cruelly into Goa's net.
When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant pulled out of their Tuesday's match against Isfahan after their six foreign players declined to travel to Iran following "advisories from their respective countries".
The group winners will qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which will feature 24 teams in all, including the hosts.
Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Friday formally proposed a fundamental restructuring of the country's top-tier professional football league, seeking perpetual operational and commercial rights for a club-owned league model while retaining the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as the sport's regulator.
Staring at a permanent paralysis: Indian footballers urge FIFA intervention on ISL
Earlier, MBSG had requested the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to shift their September 30 ACL 2 match against Sepahan SC out of Iran, citing safety concerns.
Williams, Bharti join camp, signalling new chapter for Indian football
The camp is aimed at helping the Blue Tigers prepare for their two 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers final round in Group C, where they will play two back-to-back matches against Singapore on October 9 at the National Stadium and on October 14 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.
They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.
With Fatorda buzzing and continental football back where it belongs, the Gaurs will hope to make a statement and prove they belong among Asia's elite.
'Khalid will have to begin with consistency and with new players and good strikers from U-23 because he has to build for the future.'
India face hosts Tajikistan on August 29 followed by matches against Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4.
AIFF opens application process for new men's head coach position after Marquez's exit
Stimac is also grappling with injuries to few of his key players. Defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder early last month, was named among the 50 probables but he is uncertain to be in the final 26.
The AFC said the unsuspended portion of the fine - US$750 -- shall be settled within 90 days from the date of the communication of the decision.
New AIFF boss focuses on grassroots and youth development than hosting big events.
Marquez also confirmed Chhetri's involvement in the friendly match that will mark his 152nd cap for India.
Sunil Chhetri returns to the national team,
AIFF chief Chaubey accuses Bhutia of running football schools for "vested interest"
'You're paying Rs 42 lakh for one game. Why not link it to qualification? It just shows how clueless the management is.'
Indian football team loses 0-2 to Australia in Asian Cup
Conclusive scientific testing carried out on the players competing at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 Championship India 2016 has confirmed that there was no age-cheating at the tournament.
Messi and Iniesta shared the Barca dressing between 2005 and 2018, together winning nine La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and won two trebles in 2009 and 2015.
The exact nature of the breach by BFC was not specified but sports minister Ahmed Mahloof termed it as 'unacceptable'.
Man City to face Spurs in League Cup
AIFF president Praful Patel was elected uncontested as Asian Football Confederation's Vice President of the SAFF Region at the AFC Congress held in Bahrain.
Asian Cup rivals Australia, Uzbekistan notches above us but can test against them: Chhetri
Pointing out the "several acts of contract breach" by the AIFF side in the past, Stimac charged AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey with "changing my public statement given to AIFF media".
Conflict forces Palestinian team Jabal Al Mukaber to withdraw from AFC Cup
Stimac has prioritised qualification to the third round and secure a direct entry into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Holders Iraq and secretive North Korea could face sanctions from the AFC for failing to send a player to their media conferences on Monday ahead of their opening Asian Cup matches.
