News for 'afc'

India U20 Women Secure First AFC Asian Cup Win Since 2004

India U20 Women Secure First AFC Asian Cup Win Since 2004

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian U20 women's team defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their final Group C match of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, boosting their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.

India U20 Women's Team Finalises Squad for AFC Asian Cup Thailand 2026

India U20 Women's Team Finalises Squad for AFC Asian Cup Thailand 2026

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the Indian U20 women's team, has announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup Thailand 2026. India will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage, aiming for a quarter-final spot and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

Shaji Prabhakaran: OCI/PIO Players Need Balanced Strategy For Indian Football

Shaji Prabhakaran: OCI/PIO Players Need Balanced Strategy For Indian Football

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran advocates for a balanced, long-term strategy for integrating OCI and PIO players into Indian football, stressing it's not a complete solution but a part of broader development. He also analyses recent World Cup semifinals, highlighting Spain's tactical dominance and Argentina's fighting spirit.

India U-17 Women's Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

India U-17 Women's Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian U-17 Women's team is set to play a three-match friendly series against Russia in Sochi as part of their preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2026.

Young Tigresses Overwhelmed by Japan in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Young Tigresses Overwhelmed by Japan in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's football team faced a tough start in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, suffering a 6-0 defeat against Japan. Despite a promising start, Japan's dominance, particularly in the second half, proved too much for the Young Tigresses.

Australia Overwhelms India in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Clash

Australia Overwhelms India in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's team suffered a 0-5 defeat against Australia in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, leaving their knockout stage hopes hanging by a thread.

Wasteful India bow out of AFC Women's Asian Cup

Wasteful India bow out of AFC Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India's AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign ended with a 3-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei, highlighting their inability to convert chances despite dominating the game.

India's Final AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Hong Kong to be Held in Kochi

India's Final AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Hong Kong to be Held in Kochi

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India's final match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers against Hong Kong will be held in Kochi on March 31. Although India is out of contention for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the match is still important for FIFA ranking points.

India U17 Team Gears Up for AFC U17 Asian Cup with International Friendlies

India U17 Team Gears Up for AFC U17 Asian Cup with International Friendlies

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Indian U17 men's football team is set to play friendly matches against Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea Republic in Thailand as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.

AFC Shifts Postponed Knockout Games to Neutral Venue in Jeddah

AFC Shifts Postponed Knockout Games to Neutral Venue in Jeddah

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

AFC relocates four postponed Asian Champions League Elite last-16 ties to Jeddah as single-leg matches amid Middle East tensions.

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday confirmed India's bid to host the Asian Cup in 2031

UEFA nations to boycott World Cup over FIFA stake sale plans

UEFA nations to boycott World Cup over FIFA stake sale plans

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

UEFA's member associations have unanimously voted to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions in protest against FIFA's plan to sell stakes to external investors in a subsidiary managing its tournaments.

How India's U20 Women's Team Prepared for AFC Asian Cup

How India's U20 Women's Team Prepared for AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India's U20 Women's team, led by Shubhangi Singh, is prepared for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup after a month-long training camp in Europe. The team is focused on the group stage challenges against Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei.

Mumbai City FC Secure Manolo Marquez As New Head Coach

Mumbai City FC Secure Manolo Marquez As New Head Coach

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Manolo Marquez, a highly successful coach in Indian football, has been appointed as the new head coach for Mumbai City FC on a one-year contract for the 2026-2027 season. Marquez brings a wealth of experience, including leading Hyderabad FC to an ISL Cup title and coaching the Indian national team.

Young Tigresses Fall to Russia in First Friendly Ahead of AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Young Tigresses Fall to Russia in First Friendly Ahead of AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian U17 women's team lost 4-0 to Russia in a friendly match as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

India U20 Women's Team Confident Ahead of AFC Asian Cup

India U20 Women's Team Confident Ahead of AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

India U20 women's team head coach Joakim Alexandersson expresses confidence in his team's progress ahead of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand, highlighting improvements in ball movement, passing, and defensive organisation.

Sweety Devi and Panthoi Chanu Hospitalised After AFC Women's Asian Cup Clash

Sweety Devi and Panthoi Chanu Hospitalised After AFC Women's Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Indian football team captain Sweety Devi and goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during their match against Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women's Asian Cup. The injuries occurred during a collision in the 83rd minute, leading to their team's defeat and elimination from the tournament.

AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup: India's Quarter-Final Hopes Rest on Victory Against Chinese Taipei

AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup: India's Quarter-Final Hopes Rest on Victory Against Chinese Taipei

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

India U20 Women's team must win against Chinese Taipei to keep their hopes alive for reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.

India Women's Team Crushed by Japan in AFC Asian Cup Clash

India Women's Team Crushed by Japan in AFC Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

India's women's football team suffered a heavy 0-11 defeat against Japan in their second group match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Despite the loss, India still has a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat Chinese Taipei in their final group match.

India Women Prepare for Tough AFC Asian Cup Clash Against Japan

India Women Prepare for Tough AFC Asian Cup Clash Against Japan

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

India's women's team faces a tough challenge against Japan in their second AFC Women's Asian Cup match after a narrow defeat to Vietnam. The team aims to maintain intensity and adapt tactically against the formidable Japanese side.

India Face Vietnam in AFC Women's Asian Cup Opener

India Face Vietnam in AFC Women's Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India face Vietnam in their opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, with concerns over India's lack of international game time.

India U-20 Women's Team Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup with Bangkok Camp

India U-20 Women's Team Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup with Bangkok Camp

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The India women's Under-20 football team has arrived in Bangkok for a pre-tournament acclimatisation camp ahead of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand.

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on a High

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on a High

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, with Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for the future.

AFC Women's Asian Cup squad: Mix of youth and experience

AFC Women's Asian Cup squad: Mix of youth and experience

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

India name six uncapped players in 26-member squad for AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, targeting quarterfinals and World Cup qualification.

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Under-20 women's football team begins their AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup campaign against Japan, aiming for a spot in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

Punjab FC Strengthens Squad With Mohammed Inam Signing

Punjab FC Strengthens Squad With Mohammed Inam Signing

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Punjab FC has announced the signing of Mohammed Inam, a talented footballer from Jammu and Kashmir, on a two-year contract. Inam, who previously captained Real Kashmir FC, brings experience from the Indian Football League, I-League qualifiers, and the Durand Cup to his new club.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'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.'

AFC rejects direct ACL 2 entry for ISL clubs this season

AFC rejects direct ACL 2 entry for ISL clubs this season

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

'With the exception of any additional slot(s) allocated to a Member Association in accordance with Articles 3.4 and 3.5, Member Associations that fail to fulfil the Member Association Eligibility Criteria shall, subject to Article 4.4, be eligible to be allocated only indirect slots for the relevant AFC Club Competition.'

ISL clubs now risk losing AFC slots!

ISL clubs now risk losing AFC slots!

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

AIFF waiting for AFC response over continental slots for ISL clubs in case of fewer matches

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

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.

AFC bans Mohun Bagan amid Indian football chaos

AFC bans Mohun Bagan amid Indian football chaos

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

At a time when Indian football is staring at unprecedented uncertainty with its domestic season in limbo, the Asian Football Confederation on Wednesday delivered a triple blow to the country's top club

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Indian women's national football team has lodged a formal complaint with the AIFF regarding ill-fitting kits received just before their opening AFC Women's Asian Cup match in Australia, citing a lack of professionalism and disruption to their preparations.

India concede late goal, lose to Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup opener

India concede late goal, lose to Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup opener

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Indian women's football team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Vietnam in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup, conceding a late goal in injury time.

AFC unveils Nations League to boost quality and revenues

AFC unveils Nations League to boost quality and revenues

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

"By introducing a structured competition platform ... we aim to ensure consistent access to high-quality matches while addressing logistical and cost-related challenges faced by national teams."

India Out of AFC Women's Asian Cup After Loss to Chinese Taipei

India Out of AFC Women's Asian Cup After Loss to Chinese Taipei

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India's campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup ended with a 3-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei, highlighting their inability to convert chances despite dominating the game.

Why ISL Clubs Are Reviewing Their Commitment

Why ISL Clubs Are Reviewing Their Commitment

Rediff.com23 May 2026

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.

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Indian U17 women's team is set to play China in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.