Nepal's national football team will face an unusual situation as both their home and away matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers will be played in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

The decision follows the All Nepal Football Association's (ANFA) announcement that the Dasharath Stadium does not meet the required standards set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The crucial "home match" against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), initially scheduled to be held in Nepal on June 6, has been relocated to the Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. This decision comes after the AFC requested ANFA to secure a neutral venue due to the subpar facilities at Dasharath Stadium.

Furthermore, the away match against Yemen, slated for June 11, will also take place at the same venue. This means Nepal will face two critical matches in their World Cup qualifying campaign at a single location in Saudi Arabia.

ANFA's swift coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities has ensured that both matches will proceed as planned, albeit in a neutral setting. The Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam is known for its modern facilities and has hosted numerous international fixtures, making it a suitable alternative for these high-stakes games.

Nepali fans, while disappointed about missing out on a home match, are hopeful that the team can adapt to the neutral venue and secure favorable results against both the UAE and Yemen. The dual fixtures in Dammam will be crucial for Nepal's aspirations in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.