September 4, 2025-
CAFA Nations Cup 2025
The 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, the second edition of the biennial Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) championship, is unfolding from 29 August to 8 September 2025. Jointly hosted by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the tournament marks a historic milestone as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of CAFA.
This year’s competition not only celebrates regional football growth but also offers a platform for national teams to test their strength ahead of the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers. With expanded participation and high stakes, the 2025 edition is set to become the most competitive yet.
Participating Teams and Tournament Format
Group Division
The teams are split into two groups of four, each hosted by one of the two organizing nations:
- Group A (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman.
- Group B (Tajikistan): Tajikistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and India.
Each group follows a round-robin format, with teams playing each other once. The group winners advance directly to the final, while the second-placed teams compete in the third-place playoff. This system ensures that every game carries high stakes, minimizing the chance of dead rubbers.
Teams and Tournament Format
Participating Nations
Eight teams are competing in this edition:
- CAFA members: Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
- Guest teams: Oman and India.
India was a late entry, replacing Malaysia, which withdrew in July 2025.
Group Allocation
The teams are split into two groups:
- Group A (hosted in Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Oman.
- Group B (hosted in Tajikistan): Tajikistan, Iran, Afghanistan, India.
Each group follows a round-robin format. The group winners meet in the final, while the runners-up contest the third-place playoff. This ensures that every game carries weight and that no team can afford to take a match lightly.
Venues and Infrastructure
Hisor Central Stadium, Tajikistan
- Location: Hisor
- Capacity: 20,000
- Built in 2015
- Hosts all Group B matches and the third-place playoff.
Milliy Stadium, Uzbekistan
- Location: Tashkent
- Capacity: 34,000
- Opened in 2012
- Known for modern facilities and serves as the home ground of the Uzbek national team.
Pakhtakor Central Stadium, Uzbekistan
- Location: Tashkent
- Capacity: 35,000
- Historic venue, opened in 1956 and renovated in recent years.
- A cultural symbol of Uzbekistan’s football tradition.
Olympic City Stadium, Uzbekistan
- Location: Tashkent
- Completed: 18 August 2025
- The newest addition, built just before the tournament.
- Equipped with cutting-edge facilities and hosting some Group A matches.
This stadium represents Uzbekistan’s ambition to showcase itself as a football hub.
Key Themes of the Tournament
Celebrating a Decade of CAFA
The tournament coincides with the 10th anniversary of CAFA, making it both a sporting event and a symbolic celebration. In a region marked by political and cultural diversity, football acts as a bridge of unity.
Platform for Emerging Nations
For teams like Afghanistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, this competition provides vital exposure. Facing stronger teams like Iran and Uzbekistan helps them gain experience, raise performance levels, and inspire local fans.
Guest Nations: India and Oman
The inclusion of India and Oman broadens the appeal of the tournament. It strengthens CAFA’s reputation and increases competitiveness. For India in particular, this is an opportunity to step out of the South Asian zone and test themselves against stronger opposition.
Perfect Timing
The competition comes just before the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers. This makes it a testing ground where coaches can experiment with tactics and evaluate player fitness under tournament pressure.
India’s Journey in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025
Squad and Preparation
India’s entry was confirmed only after Malaysia’s withdrawal. Yet, under new head coach Khalid Jamil, the team prepared with focus.
Notably, the squad was picked without veteran Sunil Chhetri, signaling a move toward youth. Leaders like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal and Sandesh Jhingan in defense brought stability to an otherwise young side.
Match Results
- India vs Tajikistan (2–1):
India pulled off a historic away win, their first in two years. Sandhu’s saves and organized defending secured a big result against the hosts. - India vs Iran (0–3):
Iran’s quality was too much. After holding them in the first half, India conceded late goals. Captain Sandesh Jhingan fractured his jaw in this game, a huge setback. - India vs Afghanistan (0–0):
A cagey affair ended goalless. India finished the group stage with 4 points, leaving their qualification hopes tied to other results.
Importance for Indian Football
This tournament is a turning point for India. The absence of Chhetri forced the team to adapt and trust its younger players. Despite mixed results, the experience gained will prove valuable in upcoming qualifiers.
Tournament Favorites: Iran and Uzbekistan
Iran
Iran remain the giants of Asian football. With stars like Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun, they entered as favorites. Their clinical finishing and depth make them strong contenders for the title.
Uzbekistan
As co-hosts, Uzbekistan have the advantage of home support and infrastructure. Players like Eldor Shomurodov bring top-level experience, while the new Olympic City Stadium adds energy to their campaign. Uzbekistan’s goal is clear: win the trophy at home.
Broader Impacts of the Tournament
FIFA Rankings
Every match here is FIFA-sanctioned, meaning results affect world rankings. For smaller nations like Kyrgyzstan or Afghanistan, even a single win can improve their seeding in upcoming qualifiers.
Regional Unity
Beyond sport, the CAFA Nations Cup strengthens diplomatic and cultural ties in Central Asia. It allows nations to engage in cooperation and build a shared football identity.
Infrastructure Boost
The construction and renovation of stadiums, especially in Uzbekistan, leave a long-term legacy. These facilities will serve future tournaments, leagues, and grassroots programs.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament nears its climax, the focus shifts to 8 September 2025 when the final takes place in Tashkent and the third-place playoff in Dushanbe.
- For Iran and Uzbekistan, the trophy is the ultimate goal.
- For India and Oman, a podium finish would be historic.
- For Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, the experience itself is priceless.
Conclusion
The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 has already shown its significance. It is not just about winning silverware—it is about regional pride, development, and unity.
- For Iran, it’s a chance to confirm their dominance.
- For Uzbekistan, it’s about achieving glory on home soil.
- For India, it’s about showing resilience, learning, and building a future without relying on veterans.
As the final approaches, the tournament has delivered drama, surprises, and celebration—making it clear that Central Asia is stepping forward as a force in Asian football.
