The Indian men’s national football team will play two friendly matches against Tajikistan on June 5 and 9 in Hisor, Tajikistan, during the FIFA International Match Window. The team is currently in London for the Unity Cup 2026, where it will meet Jamaica in the semi-final on May 27 and then face Nigeria or Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off or final on May 30, the All India Football Federation said.
India will travel from London to Tajikistan on May 31. Both matches are scheduled at Hisor Central Stadium with an 8:30 p.m. IST kickoff.
Eight months earlier, India earned bronze at the CAFA Nations Cup at the same venue. During that debut tournament, the team defeated Tajikistan 2-1 in what was also coach Khalid Jamil’s first game in charge.
India’s June schedule lists Tajikistan versus India at 8:30 p.m. IST on both June 5 and June 9 at Hisor Central Stadium.
Four additional players have joined the squad for the Unity Cup in London. Midfielder Macarton Nickson and defender Nikhil Barla arrived on Tuesday, while forwards Mohammed Sanan and Vikram Partap Singh are due on Wednesday. The semi-final against Jamaica starts at 7:30 p.m. BST.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant recalled several players shortly before departure, leaving India to travel with 17 players. Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari joined on Monday. The AIFF arranged urgent visas for the four newcomers.
India’s final Unity Cup squad includes goalkeepers Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari and Albino Gomes; defenders Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Barla, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese and Pramveer; midfielders Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Macarton Nickson, Noufal PN and Ricky Shabong; and forwards Ryan Williams, Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary and Vikram Partap Singh. Khalid Jamil is head coach.
