India are set to host the Intercontinental Cup from September 2-10, with Syria and Mauritius making up the tri-nation tournament. All the matches will be held in Hyderabad, providing the Blue Tigers with a significant home advantage.
India are the defending champions, having won the title last time around as well. The Intercontinental Cup has been regularly played by India since the competition was started in 2018.
India to host tri-nation Intercontinental Cup in September
Just In : 93rd Ranked Syria (🇸🇾) from Asia, and 179th Ranked Mauritius (🇲🇺) from Africa will be coming in the September month to take part in the InterContinental Cup along with #India! 🇮🇳#IndianFootball #IFTWC pic.twitter.com/msT7ezages
— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) July 26, 2024
While Syria are ranked 92nd as per the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, Mauritius are 179th. India, on the other hand, are 124th, after failing to qualify for Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. They have since parted ways with Igor Stimac after nearly five years.
The tri-nation tournament will likely be new head coach Manolo Marquez’s first major assignment. The FC Goa head coach will balance both the national team and club duties this season, before transitioning to international football exclusively next year.
The Intercontinental Cup will also be the first tournament the national team plays in its entirety since the retirement of former captain Sunil Chhetri, which truly marks the beginning of a new era for the country’s senior football team.
Who is the new India captain?
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, goalkeeper
