The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya, will host two crucial matches of the Indian senior men’s national football team during the upcoming FIFA International Window in March. This marks the first time the stadium will stage senior international fixtures following its refurbishment last year.
India, also known as the Blue Tigers, will kick off their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round campaign against Bangladesh on March 25. Before that, they will face the Maldives in an international friendly on March 19 as part of their preparations. Both matches will begin at 7 PM IST.
India has been placed in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The teams will compete in a home-and-away round-robin format until March 2026, with the group winners securing a spot in the prestigious Asian Cup. The match against Bangladesh will be India’s first step toward qualification, making it a vital fixture.
The JLN Stadium in Shillong, with a seating capacity of 15,100, has previously hosted matches in domestic tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, I-League, and I-League 2nd Division. The venue’s selection for senior international matches highlights Meghalaya’s rising status as a football hub in India.
With passionate football fans in the Northeast expected to turn out in full force, the matches in Shillong promise an electric atmosphere. The Blue Tigers will look to make the most of home support as they begin their journey toward the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
India’s March 2025 FIFA International Window Fixtures:
March 19 – India vs Maldives, FIFA International Friendly (7 PM IST)
March 25 – India vs Bangladesh, AFC Asian Cup Qualifier (7 PM IST)
These games will be crucial for India as they aim to build momentum and secure their place in the Asian Cup.
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