Category: Football

The AIFF Super Cup 2025 has reached its decisive phase, with four semi-finalists FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, East Bengal FC, and Punjab FC vying not only for domestic silverware but also for a crucial continental berth in the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Two qualifiers. Beyond the immediate prize, this year’s tournament has reflected a…

When the All India Football Federation (AIFF) opened its commercial rights ISL tender for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–40 cycle, it expected to usher in a new era of transparency and independence. Instead, the process ended in a stunning zero-bid outcome not a single company, including long-time partner FSDL, submitted a proposal by the…

When Sunil Chhetri stepped off the pitch in Goa after India’s 1–2 defeat to Singapore, the silence said more than any speech could. The match didn’t just end India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign it ended the international career of the greatest Indian footballer in history and laid bare the systemic rot that had…

When Abneet Bharti will walk into the Indian national team camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, it will be marked as a far more than just another call-up. It was the culmination of a decade-long journey across four continents, 10 clubs, and endless trials. For the 27-year-old Nepal-born defender, now playing…

When Ryan Williams signed for Bengaluru FC in 2023, it was seen as a typical ISL transfer a seasoned Australian winger adding experience to a growing league. Two years later, that move has come to represent something far more significant. Williams, once a youth international for Australia and a regular in England’s Football League, has…

Indian football’s struggles in international stage have been well-documented a stagnant FIFA ranking hovering in the 130s, a lack of cutting edge in attack, and a defensive fragility that has cost the team dearly in close contests. While the domestic game has grown in visibility through the Indian Super League (ISL), the national team continues…

Mumbai City FC sealed their place in the semi-finals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 after a dramatic 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. In a tense and tightly fought Group D decider, an unfortunate 88th-minute own goal by Freddy Lallawmawma handed the Islanders a narrow victory and a…

Rajasthan United FC’s memorable run in the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 came to an agonising end after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Sporting Club Delhi at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim. The I-League side, who looked set for a famous win after a dominant first-half display, were denied in the dying moments as Sporting Club Delhi…

The recent call-up of winger Ryan Williams to the Indian national men’s football team camp marks a pivotal moment in the strategic direction of Indian football. Williams, who has been playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), is now set to formally join the national camp ahead of India’s upcoming AFC Asian…

East Bengal FC’s signing of India international forward Jyoti Chouhan ahead of the 2025–26 season marks one of the most strategic acquisitions in the recent history of the Indian Women’s League. The move is not simply about bringing home a player who has excelled abroad; it represents a calculated step toward consolidating East Bengal’s domestic…

The final matchday of Group D in the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 arrives with a rare combination of clarity and chaos one semi-final place, three contenders, and a narrow set of scoreline permutations that could decide which club advances to the last four and secures a step closer to continental football. Kerala Blasters FC lead…

FC Goa suffered a heavy defeat away from home as Al Nassr registered a commanding 4–0 victory in the AFC Champions League 2 on Wednesday night at Al-Awwal Park. The Saudi Arabian side, stacked with experience and depth, controlled the match from the first whistle, leaving the Indian Super League outfit struggling to keep pace…

Gokulam Kerala FC ended their Super Cup 2025 campaign on a strong note, defeating Mohammedan Sporting Club 3–0 in their final Group C match at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Wednesday. Both teams had already been eliminated from semifinal contention after consecutive defeats to Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC, but the Malabarians ensured…

Punjab FC booked their place in the semi-finals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 after edging past Bengaluru FC 5–4 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday night. After 90 minutes of intense, goalless football, it all came down to composure from the spot and it was Punjab…

The Indian men’s national football team will return to action later this month as it faces Bangladesh in Dhaka for India vs Bangladesh on November 18, but this time the match arrives without the usual implications of qualification pressure. India is already out of the running for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, and so is…

With qualification already settled and both India and Bangladesh out of contention in Group C of the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, the match between India vs Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 18 carries no mathematical consequence. Yet, it is far from meaningless. In a region where emotions run deep and footballing identities evolve through small…

Group C of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 is poised for a decisive showdown tonight as Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC face off at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda in what effectively becomes a knockout match for a place in the semifinals. Both teams have been flawless so far, winning their first two…

Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC are set for a high-stakes showdown in Group C of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 on Wednesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. With both teams level on six points and identical goal differences after two matches, the final group-stage fixture will determine who progresses to the semifinals. In…

India U23 men’s national team will face Thailand U23 on November 15, 2025, at Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani. On paper, it is a friendly. In practical terms, it is a crucial evaluation point in these teams preparation cycle for two major upcoming tournaments: the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia and the…

FC Goa step into Riyadh this week for one of the most demanding assignments in Asian club football: an AFC Champions League Two Group D away fixture against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr at Al Awwal Park. This match is not simply a rematch of the reverse leg in India, where Goa were narrowly beaten 1–2;…

The Indian Women’s League, IWL 2025–26 will unfold in an unprecedented two-phase format, marking one of the most significant structural shifts in Indian women’s football since the league’s inception. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the revised schedule following discussions with all eight participating clubs, with defending champions East Bengal headlining a campaign now…

In what could mark a turning point for Indian women’s football, 19-year-old midfielder Kajol D’Souza has signed with Al-Amal Sports Club in Saudi Arabia a move that symbolizes the opening of a new, strategically important pathway for Indian players into West Asian football. Her transfer is not just another overseas signing; it represents a structural…

In one of the biggest upsets of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 so far, Rajasthan United FC pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Indian Super League giants Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. Robinson Blandon’s superb first-half strike proved decisive as the I-League outfit held their nerve against a…

Kerala Blasters continued their perfect start to the AIFF Super Cup 2025, defeating Sporting Club Delhi 3-0 at the GMC Bambolim Stadium to strengthen their grip on Group D. With six points from two matches and a healthy goal difference, the Tuskers are now on the brink of sealing a semi-final berth, pending the result…

The AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 has reached a crucial stage, and Group D is now delicately poised following victories for both Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC. With one rounds completed, both sides have three points each, a win for both today will set up a mouth-watering group decider between two of Indian football’s…

Bengaluru FC produced a masterclass in control and attacking precision to defeat Gokulam Kerala FC 4–0 in their Group C encounter of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao. With this emphatic win, the Blues climbed to the top of the table alongside Punjab FC, both teams locked on six points…

Punjab FC continued their imperious form in the AIFF Super Cup 2025, securing a convincing 3–0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting in their Group C clash at the GMC Athletic Stadium. The result, powered by goals from Ninthoi Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Kipgen, propelled the Shers to the top of the group with six points from…

India’s campaign for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 has ended in heartbreak and deep frustration on October 14, 2025, as the Blue Tigers suffered a crushing 1–2 defeat to Singapore at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao. The result mathematically eliminated India from contention, marking the first time since the tournament expanded to 24 teams…

Group C of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 has evolved into a tactical chessboard where every goal counts as much as every point. With both Punjab FC (PFC) and Bengaluru FC (BFC) sitting atop the table after opening victories, Sunday’s double-header promises to shape the semi-final equation decisively. On one side, PFC face Mohammedan SC…

In one of the most compelling matches of the AIFF Super Cup 2025, NorthEast United FC pulled off a stunning 2–1 win over FC Goa under the floodlights at Fatorda on Saturday night. Goals from Chema Núñez and Robin Yadav sealed a famous victory for the Highlanders, who showed steel and composure to hand the…

Jamshedpur FC ended their AIFF Super Cup 2025 group campaign on a high note with a composed 2–0 win over newly promoted Inter Kashi at the GMC Bambolim Stadium in Bambolim, North Goa. The result gave the Red Miners a morale-boosting performance to take away from a compact group stage; for Inter Kashi, the evening…

The 2025–26 season was supposed to mark a breakthrough for Indian women football a season of expanded competition, continental visibility, and a renewed push toward the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Instead, the upcoming calendar has exposed deep structural cracks in the system where ambition clashes with governance, and growth is threatened by overreach. At…

The AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 has already produced its first dominant storyline FC Goa have sealed their place in the semifinals with a game to spare. After two clinical wins in Group B, the Goan side stand unchallenged atop the table with six points and a perfect goal record of 5-0, leaving NorthEast United FC,…

Punjab FC have made a statement of intent ahead of the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season with the signing of experienced Brazilian centre-back Pablo Santos. The 33-year-old joins the club on a free transfer, becoming their third foreign signing of the campaign and a key component in the team’s plan to solidify a leaky…

Dempo SC’s faint hopes of qualifying for the AIFF Super Cup 2025 semifinals came to an end on Friday after they were held to a 1–1 draw by Chennaiyin FC in their final Group A encounter at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. In a match defined by two first-half goals of contrasting beauty, Shubham…

After nearly two decades of waiting, Indian women’s football is back on Asia’s youth map. The India U20 women’s team’s qualification for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 marks one of the most significant milestones in the nation’s women’s football history. It wasn’t a one-off triumph but a product of deep planning, strategic investment,…

The AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 reaches its most decisive and dramatic evening yet, with Group A the so-called Group of Death heading into its final matchday finely balanced. Four teams, two fixtures, one semifinal spot: everything comes down to Dempo SC vs Chennaiyin FC at 4:30 PM and the Kolkata Derby Mohun Bagan Super Giant…

Bengaluru FC began their AIFF Super Cup 2025 campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Goals from teenager Taorem Kelvin Singh and captain Sunil Chhetri sealed three points for the Blues in their Group C opener, as the former champions looked sharp and purposeful under…

Kerala Blasters FC began their AIFF Super Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 win over a spirited Rajasthan United FC side at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Despite playing against 10 men for most of the second half, the Blasters were pushed to the limit before Koldo Obieta’s 87th-minute header finally broke the…

The AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 reaches a crucial juncture as the group stage enters its mid-point, with two vital matches set for Thursday at Fatorda and Bambolim. The fixtures Rajasthan United vs Kerala Blasters FC (4:30 PM IST) and Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan SC (7:30 PM IST) carry significant implications for four clubs whose tournament…

Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa became the first team to reach the AIFF Super Cup 2025 semi-finals after a commanding 3–0 victory over Inter Kashi FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday. The Gaurs, dominant from start to finish, sealed their second straight win in Group B to confirm top spot with one…

Jamshedpur FC mounted a stirring late comeback to hold NorthEast United FC to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 Group B clash at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Wednesday. In a rain-soaked evening that tested both teams’ resolve, the Men of Steel overturned a two-goal deficit, thanks to second-half…

The AIFF Super Cup 2025–26, which kicked off on October 25, marks a turning point in Indian football’s domestic calendar. Traditionally an end-of-season competition, the Super Cup has been repositioned as the season opener amid uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) and the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and FSDL….

In a tense and hard-fought encounter at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao, I-League side Dempo SC held ISL champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw in their Group A clash of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26. The result, though goalless, was full of drama and resilience especially from the Goan outfit, who once…

The AIFF Super Cup 2025–26, India’s premier national knockout tournament, has entered a decisive phase as Matchday 2 unfolds in Goa. With four powerhouse clubs Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), East Bengal FC (EBFC), Chennaiyin FC (CFC), and Dempo SC locked in Group A, the next round of fixtures promises high-stakes drama and tactical intrigue….

When Punjab FC unveiled Bede Osuji as their latest foreign signing for the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, the move carried the hallmarks of strategic necessity rather than glamour. With promotion and relegation officially in play this season, survival is now as critical as success. For a club that finished 10th last season and…

The Indian Women Football Team (IWNFT) concluded their Tri-Nation Women’s International Friendlies in Shillong with consecutive defeats to Iran (0–2) and Nepal (1–2). What was intended as a preparatory assessment ahead of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia instead revealed deep tactical, structural, and psychological flaws that need urgent correction. With an overall…

Punjab FC opened their AIFF Super Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising past Gokulam Kerala FC 3–0 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday evening. The result was settled within the first half, as goals from Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu, and Princeton Rebello gave Punjab a commanding lead that they comfortably protected till…

Nepal’s star striker Sabitra Bhandari delivered a masterclass in finishing as the Gorkhali Chelis stunned hosts Indian women football 2–1 in the final match of the Tri-Nation Women’s International Friendlies 2025 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday. The Wellington Phoenix forward scored once in each half, sealing a famous win for Nepal…

Mumbai City FC produced a clinical first-half performance to blow SC Delhi away and then closed out the game with a late insurance strike as the Islanders ran out comfortable 4–1 winners in the opening Group D fixture of the AIFF Super Cup at Fatorda. The result was settled inside the first 45 minutes. Mumbai’s…