Nepal's men's football team faces a tough challenge as they compete in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The draw has placed Nepal in a challenging group, alongside strong teams like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos. The qualification matches will kick off in March 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting journey toward securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Group Stage Fixtures & Home Ground Uncertainty
Nepal's first match will be at home against Malaysia on March 25, 2025. However, there is still uncertainty about whether the match will be played at the iconic Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. During the second round of qualification for both the World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, Nepal hosted their home matches against Bahrain and the UAE at neutral venues, and a similar scenario could unfold this time.
This will be a part of a unique home-and-away qualification format, where 5 out of the 6 matches in Nepal’s group will be played in 2025. The schedule is as follows:
- March 25, 2025: Nepal vs. Malaysia (Home)
- June 2025: Nepal vs. Laos (Away)
- October 2025: Nepal vs. Vietnam (Home) & Nepal vs. Vietnam (Away)
- November 2025: Nepal vs. Malaysia (Away)
- March 2026: Nepal vs. Laos (Home)
SAFF Championship 2025
In addition to the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Nepal will also compete in the SAFF Championship 2025, which is expected to take place later this year. Though the exact dates and host country have yet to be confirmed, this tournament remains a key fixture for Nepal as they look to continue their progress on the regional stage. The tournament, last held in India in 2023, will see Nepal’s national team battling for supremacy in South Asian football.
Women's Football Tournament at Dasharath Stadium
In another exciting development, Nepal will host a women's football tournament at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu from February 17 to 26, 2025. The tournament will feature women’s football teams from Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and Myanmar, offering local fans a chance to see international women’s football at the highest level.
Upcoming Age-Group Tournaments & NSL 2025
Nepal's football calendar in 2025 is packed with action at all levels. The national teams, both men and women, will compete in various age-group tournaments at the SAFF level, nurturing the next generation of football stars.
Furthermore, the Nepal Super League (NSL), the franchise-based domestic football league, will return for its third edition, scheduled to start on March 29, 2025. The NSL continues to be a platform for local talent to showcase their skills and a major event in Nepal's football calendar.
The Road Ahead
As the national team prepares for these high-stakes encounters, fans are hopeful that Nepal’s footballing journey will continue to rise. With challenging fixtures on the horizon in both the Asian Cup qualifiers and the SAFF Championship, it will take a collective effort from players, coaching staff, and the entire footballing community to make 2025 a year to remember for Nepal’s football scene.
