The Indian football team begins their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers Round 3 campaign by hosting neighboring Bangladesh at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday, March 25.
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India vs Bangladesh: Preview
The Blue Tigers are determined to kick off their qualifiers with a statement victory, while the Bengal Tigers aim to disrupt their plans and start strong with three crucial points. Manolo Marquez’s men understand the importance of winning their home fixtures to secure the top spot in the group, especially with AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification now a top priority.
Despite facing a lower-ranked opponent, India must approach this clash with precision and efficiency. Marquez will emphasize defensive solidity while encouraging his team to capitalize on quick transitions and convert chances clinically. A commanding win would boost confidence and reinforce belief in his system, whereas anything less could raise doubts about the squad’s ability to dominate the group.
India’s campaign begins against Bangladesh at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday, marking their first competitive fixture since exiting the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June following a loss to Qatar. With their sights now set on the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the Blue Tigers return to action against a familiar opponent they have historically outclassed.
Coming off a morale-boosting 3-0 friendly win over the Maldives, India finally ended a 16-month winless run under their new head coach. They now seek to build on that momentum as they aim for a third consecutive AFC Asian Cup qualification. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, who last qualified for the tournament in 1980, enter this match strengthened by Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury, whose presence adds depth to their midfield.
Drawn in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore, India must top the group to advance. Taking full advantage of home conditions in their opener will be key to their qualification hopes. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will play their first match of 2025 but ended the previous year on a high, winning three of their last four games. Although some of those victories came in hybrid friendlies, they will look to carry that form into this crucial clash.
With Choudhury adding energy and drive, Bangladesh is eager to make a statement by frustrating India and pushing for a positive result. While a draw wouldn’t be disastrous for them, a narrow victory could significantly boost their chances of topping the group. Conversely, a heavy defeat could dent morale and make their path forward far more difficult.
India vs Bangladesh: Head-to-head
India holds a dominant record in this subcontinental rivalry, remaining unbeaten in 24 of their last 28 encounters with Bangladesh. The upcoming clash will be their 29th meeting since their first face-off at the 1978 Asian Games.
The Blue Tigers last suffered a defeat against Bangladesh in the 2003 SAFF Championship semi-final, where they fell 2-1 in extra time in Dhaka. Notably, India has never lost at home against their regional rivals.
The two sides have met twice in the SAFF Championship final, with India emerging victorious on both occasions—in 1999 and 2005. They were also drawn together in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where India played out a draw in Kolkata before clinching a win in the reverse fixture.
Their most recent encounter came in the 2021 SAFF Championship, ending in a 1-1 stalemate.
- Match played- 28
- India won- 14
- Bangladesh won- 4
- Draw – 10
India vs Bangladesh: Team News and Predicted XI
India – Team News
India will be without Brandon Fernandes, who was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up an injury against the Maldives. In his absence, Udanta Singh and Macarton Louis Jackson have been called up to strengthen the Blue Tigers ahead of the crucial clash.
India – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Vishal Kaith
- Defenders – Rahul Bheke, Valpuia, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose
- Midfielders – Lalengmawia Ralte, Ayush Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary
- Forwards – Naorem Mahesh Singh, Liston Colaco, Sunil Chhetri
Bangladesh – Team News
Bangladesh will have a fully fit squad available for their crucial clash against India, giving them the advantage of fielding their strongest lineup.
Bangladesh – Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Mitul Marma
- Defenders – Md Saad Uddin, Shakil Hossan, Topu Barman, Isa Faysal
- Midfielders – Hamza Choudhury, Mohammad Ridoy, Jamal Bhuyan
- Forwards – Al-Amin, Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon
India vs Bangladesh: Prediction
India heads into this clash as the clear favorite, boasting a dominant record against Bangladesh and the added advantage of playing at home. The Blue Tigers will be eager to make a strong start to their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign, especially under Manolo Márquez, who recently secured his first win as head coach.
Bangladesh, however, is fielding a fully fit squad and has shown improvement in recent matches. The addition of Hamza Choudhury brings experience to their midfield, and they will look to frustrate India with disciplined defending and quick counters.
Despite India’s superior ranking and home advantage, Bangladesh could pose a threat if they stay compact and capitalize on set-piece opportunities. However, given India’s attacking firepower and determination to start strong, victory for the Blue Tigers seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: India 3-1 Bangladesh
Where to Watch The AFC Asian Qualifiers 2027 India vs Bangladesh Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
India and Bangladesh will face off in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday, March 25. The game is set to begin at 7 PM IST and will be broadcast live on Star Sports 3, with streaming available on JioHotstar.
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FAQs
When and where is the India vs Bangladesh AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match?
The match will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
What time does the match kick off?
The game is scheduled to start at 7 PM IST.
Where can I watch the India vs Bangladesh match live?
It will be broadcast on Star Sports 3 and streamed live on JioHotstar.
What is India’s recent record against Bangladesh?
India is unbeaten in 24 of their last 28 meetings and has never lost at home to Bangladesh.
Which players are missing or newly added for this match?
Brandon Fernandes is out due to injury, while Udanta Singh and Macarton Louis Jackson have joined the squad.
