Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: Football enthusiasts across India are eagerly waiting for the upcoming Hero Intercontinental Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 9th to June 18th, 2023. The tournament will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, and the Indian National Team will be joined by Lebanon, Mongolia, and Vanuatu for the tournament.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023
The Hero Intercontinental Cup
The Hero Intercontinental Cup is a four-nation football competition organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). It was introduced in 2018 to replace the Nehru Cup and was initially held in Mumbai. The competition serves as a practise run for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2024.
Venue
The third edition of the Hero Intercontinental Cup will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The stadium, which has hosted international football events in the past, including the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, has seen some excellent infrastructure being developed by the Government of Odisha.
Participating Teams
India, Lebanon, Mongolia, and Vanuatu will be participating in the tournament. The Indian men’s national team had previously never played against Mongolia and Vanuatu. Against Lebanon, the hosts hold a record of playing six matches.
Schedule
The Hero Intercontinental Cup will be played in the FIFA International Window from June 9 to June 18. The competition will serve as a warm-up event for the Asian Cup 2024.
| Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2023 | 4:30 PM IST | Lebanon vs Vanuatu | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar |
| June 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM IST | India vs Mongolia | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar |
| June 12, 2023 | 4:30 PM IST | Mongolia vs Lebanon | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar |
| June 12, 2023 | 7:30 PM IST | Vanuatu vs India | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar |
| June 15, 2023 | 4:30 PM IST | Vanuatu vs Mongolia | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar |
| June 15, 2023 | 7:30 PM IST | India vs Lebanon | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar |
| June 18, 2023 | 7:30 PM IST | Final – Group Winner vs Group Runners Up | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar |
Previous Editions
The first two editions of the Hero Intercontinental Cup were held in Mumbai (2018) and Ahmedabad (2019). The inaugural competition was known as the 2018 Intercontinental Cup (India). The hosts triumphed over the other competitors, Kenya, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei. North Korea defeated India, Syria, and Tajikistan to win the second round.
Unbeaten Home Record
The Indian National Team has been performing well on home turf. The Blue Tigers are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak at home. Their unbeaten run began on June 8th, 2022, with a 2-0 win over Cambodia in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers Round 3 in Kolkata. Since then, the team has defeated Afghanistan (2-1), Hong Kong (4-0), and the Tri-Nation, where they beat Myanmar (1-0) and the Kyrgyz Republic (2-0) in Imphal.
Implications for Indian Football
The Hero Intercontinental Cup will have significant implications for Indian football. The tournament will provide an opportunity for the Indian National Team to test its mettle against international opponents and prepare for the Asian Cup 2024. It will also provide exposure to players from the participating countries and help them gain valuable experience.
Legacy of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which was held in India in 2022, has left behind a legacy of world-class infrastructure in Bhubaneswar. The Kalinga Stadium, which was one of the venues for the tournament, has been developed into a top-class football facility. The Hero Intercontinental Cup will be the first major men’s football event to be held at the stadium, and it is expected to attract large crowds.
The Hero Intercontinental Cup promises to be an exciting event for football lovers across India. The tournament will not only provide an opportunity for the Indian National Team to prepare for the upcoming Asian Cup but also showcase the potential of football in Odisha. The Kalinga Stadium, which has been developed into a world-class football facility, will host the tournament, and it is expected to attract large crowds. With the Indian National Team on an unbeaten run at home, the Hero Intercontinental Cup promises to be a thrilling event for football fans across the country.
Read more: Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 Streaming details: How to watch the matches LIVE in India?
