Indian men’s national football team have been giving absolutely everything by operating in a collective rhythm so much so that they are able to churn out favourable outcomes. They continue to strive for success in the international arena and they deserve to be praised for putting in immense work rate against the opposition. While cricket is the most-watched sport in the country, there is also a growing interest in football in India. Meanwhile, the fans are curious to know India football team’s next match.
On the downside, the Indian men’s football team faced setbacks such as maintaining consistency, enhancing infrastructure and improving the overall standard of the sport in the country. On the other hand, India has been working extremely hard to develop football at the basic level by carrying out initiatives such as the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League. These domestic leagues paved the way for nurturing talents and enhancing the standard of Indian football. Let’s learn about India football team’s next match below.
When is India football team’s next match?
While football fans in India have been following the English Premier League, La Liga, MLS, Saudi Pro League, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga, they have also been paying attention to witnessing the India football team’s games as well. Many are figuring out India football team’s next match. Let’s learn about that in detail now. Indian men’s football team will play against hosts Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Merdeka Cup 2023 tourney on October 13.
The match will kick off at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The draws for the Merdeka Cup 2023 football that were held by FA Malaysia already came to a close on August 8. For the unversed, the Merdeka Cup is a friendly international football competition staged in Malaysia to celebrate the country’s Independence Day. The competition was last held in 2013 and it is making a grand comeback after 10 years.
On the other hand, India made its last appearance in the tournament in 2001. Their best performance were runners-up finishes in 1959 and 1964. India football team’s next match is against Malaysia on October 13, in what will be India’s 32nd meeting with Malaysia at the international level. The two teams last faced off each other in a friendly clash in Kolkata in 2011. Notably, India came through with flying colours with a 3-2 margin.
Merdeka Tournament 2023 schedule
October 13, Friday
Semi-final 1: Palestine vs Tajikistan – 2:00 PM IST
Semi-final 2: Malaysia vs India – 6:30 PM IST
October 17, Tuesday
Third-place play-off: Loser of Semi-final 1 vs Loser of Semi-final 2 – 2:00 PM IST
Final: Winner of Semi-final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2 – 6:30 PM IST