The Indian U17 men's football team lost 1-5 to the United Arab Emirates in a friendly match in Thailand.
Former teammates Gouramangi Singh and Clifford Miranda meet in opposing dugouts as FC Goa take on Chennaiyin FC at Fatorda in the ISL opener on Saturday.
Priority will be improvement in quality of football: AIFF's new secretary general
No headway in meeting between AIFF and FSDL
FC Raengdai, making their Durand Cup debut, secured a 1-0 victory against last year's quarter-finalists Indian Navy Football Team. Khaidem Amarjit Singh scored the winning goal in the 58th minute, marking the club's first-ever Durand Cup goal. The Manipuri side displayed a strong performance, with a disciplined defence holding off Indian Navy's late pressure.
Tata Steel has confirmed that Jamshedpur FC will honour all existing player contracts and assist footballers in finding new clubs following its withdrawal from the Indian Super League. The company also clarified that its commitment to grassroots football and youth development in Jamshedpur remains strong, with no plans to relocate the club's operations.
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.
The India U17 Women's football team is set for a decisive AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup qualifier against hosts Malaysia on Sunday. With both teams tied on points, India holds a significant goal difference advantage, meaning a draw will secure their qualification. Coach Joakim Alexandersson's Young Tigresses are aiming for a win to make history with back-to-back Asian Cup appearances.
India has announced its 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Tashkent, with eight players omitted from the initial camp. The team, led by Mahesh Gawali, will compete against Syria, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh from August 31 to September 6, aiming for qualification to the main tournament in China in 2027.
India's Quimcy Dsouza experienced a double setback at the Asian Games in Nagoya, narrowly missing out on bronze medals in both women's singles and mixed doubles Teqball. Despite a valiant effort against Japan's Yuina Sakamoto in singles, losing 0-2, and a subsequent loss in mixed doubles with Mohamed Anas Beg, her performance highlighted India's growing presence in the sport.
India's national football team faced five-time champions Brazil in a FIFA international friendly in Kolkata, losing 4-0. Despite a spirited start for the first 25 minutes, Brazil's superior skill and clinical finishing secured a comfortable victory with goals from Estevao, Pedro, and Samuel Lino.
India's Special Olympics Bharat football team is heading to Sweden to compete in the Gothia Cup 2026, aiming for their third consecutive title in the Special Olympics Trophy. The team, comprising players with intellectual disabilities, received a send-off from Sweden's ambassador, highlighting their role as national ambassadors. Their coach detailed the unique training methods involving actions and sign language.
Sunil Chhetri might have bid adieu to his international career but he remains deeply attached to the fortunes of the team
Indian teqball player Quimcy Dsouza lost a hard-fought bronze medal match to Japan's Yuina Sakamoto at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Dsouza showed a strong comeback, taking both sets to a narrow 11-12 finish, but ultimately fell short.
India's assistant coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar emphasised the importance of winning crucial moments ahead of the Asian Games gold medal cricket match against arch-rivals Pakistan. Drawing on his own experience from the 1998 Independence Cup final, Kanitkar stated that while the hype is significant, players must focus on their game and aim for a second successive Asiad gold for the country's medal tally.
India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.
The Indian U17 men's football team is set to play two friendly matches against Qatar in Doha as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has voiced concerns over the country's tennis system, stating it's 'still not great' and that India loses talented players during their transition from junior to senior levels, despite an abundance of potential.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira Damasceno, the reigning ISL Golden Ball winner, on a two-year contract. Miguel, who previously played a crucial role in East Bengal's title-winning campaign, is known for his attacking prowess and ability to provide assists. He expressed excitement about playing for Mohun Bagan's passionate fanbase and aims to help the team win multiple titles.
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.
Brazil football legend Cafu has advised the Indian national team to view their upcoming friendly against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata as a crucial learning experience rather than just a spectacle. He emphasised the match's importance for India's preparation for the 2030 World Cup cycle and highlighted Brazil's deep connection with Kolkata, referencing Pele's historic visit. Cafu also discussed the future of Brazilian football and his unique World Cup record.
Diamond Harbour FC secured the Indian Football League (IFL) title in their debut season, drawing 1-1 with Dempo SC and earning promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Sports Ministry has approved a 492-member Indian contingent, comprising 265 male and 227 female athletes, for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Athletics forms the largest group with 73 participants, including star athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Jyothi Yarraji. Other prominent sports like shooting, weightlifting, badminton, boxing, and wrestling also feature strong teams, with some adjustments made due to doping violations.
Reigning Indian Super League champions East Bengal have announced the appointment of decorated Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas as their new head coach for the 2026-27 season. Habas, known for his successful stints in Indian football, returns to familiar territory as the club prepares to defend its maiden ISL League Shield amidst ownership uncertainties.
The Indian men's football team experienced a disappointing debut in the Unity Cup, losing 2-0 to Jamaica in the semi-finals held in London.
The Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season will commence on October 16, with new regulations limiting foreign players to three in the starting line-up to boost local talent. Clubs also committed to enhancing youth development through AIFF academy accreditation.
Indian cricketer Riyan Parag discusses his lifelong passion for football, particularly his admiration for Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo. He also speculates on which footballers could play cricket and which cricketers could play football.
The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.
The Indian Navy football team secured their first victory in the Durand Cup, defeating NEROCA FC 2-0 in a Group D fixture. Goals from Roshan Panna and E Muhammed Inayath sealed the win, moving the Navy to second place in their group.
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, Mamata Banerjee's party's candidate for the Rejinagar by-election, initially announced his withdrawal from the contest due to harassment of workers and symbol unfamiliarity, but retracted his statement within hours after intervention from the party's top leadership and Mamata Banerjee herself, confirming he will now contest the October 6 poll.
Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal faced a challenging Asian Games debut, marked by logistical issues and a medical disqualification due to a weight-cutting incident. Despite the setback, Sanyal, an Indian citizen with Singapore PR, shares his journey in MMA, his 'fighting nomad' lifestyle, and his aspirations for Indian fighters.
Karnataka defeated Punjab in a penalty shootout to win the U13 ASMITA National Football League title after a 1-1 draw.
The Indian men's national football team was defeated by Jamaica in the semifinal of the Unity Cup 2026, held in London. Jamaica will now proceed to the final, while India will compete for third place against Zimbabwe.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unanimously approved its revised Constitution, aligning with the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), 2025. This significant overhaul, decided at a virtual Special General Body Meeting, introduces a new election panel, mandates national anthems before matches, modifies foreign player rules in ISL, and updates the disciplinary code, aiming to enhance governance, transparency, and player development in Indian football.
Chennai-based SKASports Investments Private Ltd has signed an agreement with a Singapore club to develop a regional sports ecosystem that would tap the large pool of footballers and coaches from India.
With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.
Despite a population of 1.45 billion, India's football team is ranked a lowly 138th in the world and failed to qualify for next year's Asian Cup, highlighting deep-rooted systemic issues and a failure to implement reforms that keep the World Cup dream distant for fans.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil shares his predictions for the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, expressing a personal preference for Lionel Messi's Argentina while acknowledging Spain's strong form and tactical advantages. He anticipates a tough and equal match.
Senior officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) met in New Delhi to discuss key issues including the Indian Super League (ISL), the AIFF's Constitution, and compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The AFC assured AIFF of continued support for Indian football.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.
