The India national football team has participated in nine editions of FIFA World Cup qualifications. The Indian Men's Football Team experienced their first taste of World Cup Qualifying matches in 1985 for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Their debut match in the qualifying round resulted in a 2-1 loss against Indonesia. So far, India has played 48 World Cup qualifiers and won 10 games. Their most successful campaign was the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers, where the Blue Tigers earned 11 points in six games.

India 2-0 Philippines, World Cup Qualifier 1998

Raman Vijayan and Bruno Coutinho scored two goals in the last 10 minutes of the match in Doha, Qatar. Vijayan scored in the 81st minute and Coutinho in the 85th minute. Bhaichung Bhutia was replaced by Gurinder Gill in the 28th minute. Raman Vijayan was the other replacement in the Indian team. He replaced Basudeb Mondal in the 62nd minute and scored in the 81st minute to give his team the lead. Despite winning the match, their 1-1 draw against Sri Lanka and a 0-6 loss to Qatar knocked India out of the contention.

India 1-0 United Arab Emirates, World Cup Qualifier 2002

India defeated the United Arab Emirates in the first match of the group. Jules Alberto Dias scored the winner for India. He scored in the 72nd to clinch the victory. Deepak Mondal, Mahesh Gawli, Renedi Singh, Joe Paul Anchery, and Bhaichung Bhutia started in that match. In the next match, India drew 1-1 with Yemen, and UAE also avenged it by winning 1-0 at home. India drew 3-3 with Yemen in the return fixture once again. In the end, they beat Brunei in two consecutive matches but could not do anything. Yemen were second and India was third on the points table in terms of goal difference. None advanced to the next round.

Also Read: Premier League 2023-24: Palmar scored a late goal to clinch one important point for Chelsea in the match against Manchester City

India 5-0 in Brunei, World Cup Qualifier 2002

This is India's biggest win in the World Cup qualifiers. Dias scored the first goal in the 12th minute. IM Vijayan then extended the lead in the 24th minute. Bhaichung Bhutia increased the lead by 3 in the 36th minute, and Ancheri scored the fourth goal in the 61st minute. Hakim Abdul put the cherry on the top by scoring the fifth goal in the 80th minute.

India 1-0 Singapore, World Cup Qualifier 2006

India were in a tough group with Japan, Oman, and Singapore. In the first match of the qualifying round, India defeated Singapore. India won the match at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa after Renedy Singh scored the winner in the 50th minute. In their next match in Kochi, they lost 1-5 to Oman and 7-0 to Japan. Japan won the return match also by 4-0. They won the return match 0-2 against Singapore again and drew goalless against Oman. India conceded 18 goals in six matches which was enough to knock them out.

Qatar 0-0 India, World Cup Qualifier 2022

It was a big success for the Indian team to restrict The World Cup host country Qatar to a goalless draw. Qatar were the Champions of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. So, It was a big deal for a team like India to get a point from that match. India were coming into the match after losing 2-1 to Oman. They also drew against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in that phase. It was these results that knocked them out of the fight for a place in the third round. However, India's defense restricted Qatar from scoring. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's goalkeeping amazed the fans as he won the man of the match award by saving 11 inevitable goals in that match.

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League. 

Following the conclusion of the knockout round on Sunday, the ISL 2024-25 semi-finals have commenced, with Bengaluru FC earning a commanding 2-0 victory over FC Goa last night.

Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the highly anticipated first-leg encounter in the second semi-final tie between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan SG at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.

Read Also | Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan SG ISL 2024-25 Semi-final 2 First Leg Match Preview: Head-to-head Stats, Previous Records

As a nail-biting encounter awaits us tonight, so just sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary.

This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

Jamshedpur FC will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first-leg clash of the ISL 2024-25 semi-final 2, set to kick off tonight at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.

Jamshedpur FC, who originally finished fifth in the league table with 38 points in 24 games, stunned the fourth-placed NorthEast United FC in the second knockout match, beating them 2-0 to qualify for the semis.

On the other hand, Mohun Bagan SG clinched the league shield title for the second consecutive time, finishing atop the table with a staggering 56 points in 24 games. 

A Formidable Defense 🆚 An Electric Attack! ⚡

Watch #JFCMBSG tonight at 7:30 PM, LIVE only on @JioHotstar, #StarSports3, and #AsianetPlus! 📺#ISL #LetsFootball #ISLPlayoffs #JamshedpurFC #MBSG | @JamshedpurFC @mohunbagansg @Jasoncummings35 pic.twitter.com/E0Z3MHHAOa

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 3, 2025

From possible starting XIs to Previous records, here is everything you need to know about the Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan SG semi-final 2 first-leg match in the ISL 2024-25.

Match Details 

Match: Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan SG - ISL 2024-25, Semi-final 2 First Leg

Date: 3 April 2025

Time: 7:30 pm IST

Venue: JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur

Broadcasting and Streaming Details

The live telecast of the match will be available on the Star Sports 3 TV Channel. The live streaming will also be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Team News and Injury Updates: Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC snatched a well-deserved 2-0 away victory over NorthEast United FC in Shillong in the Knockout 2 match in the ISL 2024-25 Playoffs.

The Red Miners came out on top following Stephen Eze's opener in the first half, as the passage to the semis was sealed by Javi Hernadez netting a goal in the final kick of the game. Pronay Halder and Nikhil Barla were absolutely impregnable in defence, whereas keeper Albino Gomes also stayed tall under the sticks.

Read Also | NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC ISL 2024-25 Knockout 2 Highlights | Jamshedpur seals a breathtaking win in Shillong; books their place in the semis | FT NEUFC 0-2 JFC

Despite earning 38 points from 24 games, the same as third-placed Bengaluru and fourth-placed NorthEast, Jamshedpur had to finish in fifth position due to the head-to-head stats against those teams. However, the Men of Steel have shown their resilience and ensured to throw a tough challenge to their opponent in the semifinals.

No time to waste! Onto the next🎯!

[Jam Ke Khelo, Indian Super League, ISL Playoffs, ISL Semi-final, Men Of Steel, Jamshedpur, #JFCMBSG] pic.twitter.com/awy8W6HkUN

— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) April 1, 2025

Head coach Khalid Jamil will have a relatively full and fit squad for the first-leg encounter at home. Midfielder Mobashir Rahman, who received a straight red in the knockout, will be the only exception as he will be suspended tonight.

Team News and Injury Updates: Mohun Bagan SG

Mohun Bagan SG have stamped their name on the league shield title for the second consecutive season, having earned a brilliant 56-point tally across 24 games. 

Read Also | ISL Stats: 6 records Mohun Bagan broke in ISL 2024-25 so far

The Mariners entered the semis directly and received a long break before the quest for the ISL 2024-25 Cup begins tonight. Mohun Bagan lost to Mumbai City FC in the ISL 2023-24 Cup final, and this time, they will be adamant about turning the tables around, looking to make a double in the single season and setting more records.

Semi final ready 💪🏻🫡#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/QvHiTtA33r

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) April 2, 2025

However, head coach Jose Molina will reportedly have to exclude forward Manvir Singh and midfielder Apuia due to different injury concerns. Defender Asish Rai is expected to be fit by the time of the game.

Head-to-Head Stats and Previous Records 

On November 23rd, 2024, Mohun Bagan SG stamped an outstanding 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur at the VYBK, Kolkata. Tom Aldred, Liston Colaco, and Jamie Maclaren scored for the Mariners.

In the return leg on January 17th, Jamshedpur held Mohun Bagan in a 1-1 stalemate in Jamshedpur. Subhasish Bose's goal for Bagan was canceled out by a brilliant solo goal from Jamshedpur defender Stephen Eze.

Highlights: Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan SG ISL 2024-25 Highlights | A point apiece following a thrilling encounter | FT JFC 1-1 MBSG

Previous Matches (In All Competitions)

Head-to-Head Stats (In All Competitions)

Matches played: 11

Jamshedpur won: 4

Mohun Bagan SG won: 5

Draws: 2

Last five Meetings: JFC vs MBSG

Predicted XIs

Jamshedpur FC

Albino Gomes (GK); Ashutosh Mehta, Pronay Halder, Stephen Eze, Mohammed Uvais; Nikhil Barla, Sourav Das, Rei Tachikawa, Md Sanan; Javi Hernandez, Jordan Murray

Mohun Bagan SG

Vishal Kaith (GK); Dippendu Biswas, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodrigues, Subhashish Bose; Sahal Abdul Samad, Deepak Tangri; Anirudh Thapa, Greg Stewart, Liston Colaco; Jamie Maclaren

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League. Following the conclusion of the knockout round on Sunday, the ISL 2024-25 semi-finals will commence tonight.

Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the highly anticipated first-leg encounter in the first semi-final tie between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

Read Also | Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa ISL 2024-25 Semi-final 1 First Leg Match Preview: Head-to-head Stats, Previous Records

The Blues thrashed defending cup winners Mumbai City FC 5-0 in the first knockout match in the ISL 2024-25 play-offs to secure a well-deserved semi-finals berth. On the other hand, the Gaurs entered the semi-finals directly after a second-place finish in the league stage with 48 points in 24 games.

As an intense encounter awaits us tonight, so just sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary.

This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

The Indian Super League 2024-25 Knockout round concluded with Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC marching into the tournament's semi-finals.

Bengaluru FC, who originally finished third in the league stage, crushed Mumbai City FC 5-0 in the first knockout to storm into the semi-finals, and they are set to go against the league runners-up FC Goa, posing a new challenge.

From possible starting XIs to Previous records, here is everything you need to know about the Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa semi-final 1, first leg match in the ISL 2024-25.

Match Details 

Match: Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa - ISL 2024-25, Semi-final 1 First Leg

Date: 2 April 2025

Time: 7:30 pm IST

Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru

Broadcasting and Streaming Details

The live telecast of the match will be available on the Star Sports 3 TV Channel. The live streaming will also be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Team News and Injury Updates: Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC showed no mercy on Mumbai City FC in the first knockout match in the ISL 2024-25 play-offs, thrashing the defending cup winners 5-0 to secure a well-deserved semi-finals berth.

Suresh Singh Wangjam, Edgar Mendez, Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz each scored a goal to run riot over the Islanders, stamping a clean-sheet as well.

Despite a tumultuous run in the league stage this season, Bengaluru finished third on the leaderboard, having bagged 38 points in 24 matches. The Blues secured third place due to better head-to-head stats against the fourth and fifth-placed teams.

"My message to the team and to the fans, is here. Together. I said before the match that I wanted a party, and we enjoyed that. In four days we have another party." 🗓️

"Together. That is the message."

Bengaluru, ಬನ್ನಿ: https://t.co/Q6gHTBx0AB 🎟️#WeAreBFC #BFCFCG #ISLPlayoffs… pic.twitter.com/XfxlGE1rTE

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 30, 2025

However, head coach Gerard Zaragoza has a strong squad available for the semi-final clashes against FC Goa. Despite Vinith Venkatesh having suffered a knock against Mumbai, he might be available for the first leg. However, Bengaluru's second-choice keeper, Lalthuammawia Ralte, is still unavailable after suffering an injury in late February this year.

Bengaluru have not won a game against FC Goa in their last five meetings, and the Blues aim to change that as the first leg takes place at their home stadium.

Team News and Injury Updates: FC Goa

FC Goa produced a consistent season, leading up to the second-place finish in the league stage with 48 points in 24 games, assuring a direct semi-finals qualification. 

Through fire and fury, the #Gaurs stood tall and proud! 🔥

Watch #ISLPlayoffs LIVE only on @JioHotstar, #StarSports3, and #AsianetPlus! 📺#ISL #LetsFootball #FCGoa pic.twitter.com/BtihS1mY3F

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 31, 2025

The Gaurs will look to ensure a lead, with the first leg being an away game. They will also leave no stone unturned to capitalize on the second-leg advantage at home, but they need to continue their league-stage unbeaten record against Bengaluru this season.

As we prepare for the First Leg of our #BFCFCG Semi-Finals, hear what our Head Coach Manolo Marquez & Midfielder Carl McHugh had to say in the Pre-Match Press Conference 🗣🔥

Watch the full PC on our YouTube Channel:https://t.co/aEZbGI6DkU pic.twitter.com/VblpASrDZF

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) March 31, 2025

Having played their last game almost a month ago, head coach Manolo Marquez will have a fully fit squad available for the first leg.

The Gaurs will have to be very well-armoured for the Bengaluru challenge, as they have gained momentum, but the FC Goa side are adamant to clinch their long-coveted ISL Cup.

Head-to-Head Stats and Previous Records 

FC Goa have remained unbeaten in both encounters against Bengaluru FC this season. On 2 November 2024, FC Goa marked a dominating 3-0 victory over Bengaluru FC at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Armando Sadiku, Brison Fernandes, and Dejan Drazic scored for the home side.

In the return leg played on 14 December 2024, Bengaluru and Goa played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Ryan Williams and Jorge Pereyra Diaz scored for the Blues, whereas Sandesh Jhingan and Sahil Tavora scored for the away side.

#FCGoa are still chasing their first win at Sree Kanteerava Stadium! 😤

Can they break the streak?

Watch the #ISLPlayoffs LIVE only on @JioHotstar, #StarSports3, and #AsianetPlus! 📺#ISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/tLwYfNKFmY

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 31, 2025

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches played: 20

Bengaluru FC won: 6

FC Goa: 5

Draws: 9

Last five Meetings: Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa

Predicted XIs

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Naorem Roshan Singh, Chinglensana, Rahul Bheke, Namgyal Bhutia; Suresh Singh Wangjam, Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo; Sunil Chhetri, Edgar Mendez, Ryan Williams 

FC Goa 

Hrithik Tiwari (GK); Aakash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan, Odei Onaindia, Boris Singh; Carl McHugh, Ayush Dev Chhetri; Brison Fernandes, Borja Herrera, Udanta Singh; Iker Guarrotxena

FIFA is reportedly considering the possibility of arranging a one-game play-off between Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC and Liga MX giants Club America to decide which team will represent the expelled Club Leon at the 2025 Club World Cup.  

🤯🇲🇽 BREAKING: FIFA has drawn up plans to hold a one-game playoff between Club America and LAFC to determine a replacement team for Club Leon at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 🇺🇸🏆

Via @lizzy_becherano - @espn pic.twitter.com/ZVFSfcZPZ6

— All Fútbol MX 🇲🇽 (@AllFutbolMX) March 30, 2025

A FIFA spokesperson disclosed on Sunday that the organization is actively weighing the feasibility of this play-off match, whereas the winner of this playoff would also receive $9.55 million in prize money given by FIFA to teams qualified from the Concacaf zone.

However, FIFA's consideration does not include the Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense after the club lodged a complaint in 2024, which led to Leon's subsequent removal from the tournament.

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

The controversial exclusion of Club Leon

Costa Rican outfit Alajuelense’s complaint regarding the multi-ownership issue initiated the investigation by the FIFA Appeal Committee back in November 2024, which eventually led to Club Leon’s exclusion.

FIFA announced the decision to expel the Mexican side Club Leon from the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025 last week due to the club's shared ownership with Pachuca, another team that competes in Mexico's top division, Liga MX.

TODOS LO GANAMOS, JUNTOS LO DEFENDEMOS.

Más unidos que nunca.#SerFieraEsUnOrgullo 🦁 pic.twitter.com/BEXp7VbCjl

— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 31, 2025

Pachuca also qualified for the Club World Cup after winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, while Club Leon earned its qualification after clinching the 2023 edition of the same tournament. However, Grupo Pachuca owns both the teams and holds stakes in Spanish side Real Oviedo and some other clubs as well.

This joint ownership violated the multi-club ownership requirements defined under Article 10, paragraph 1 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Regulations outlined by FIFA.

FIFA is considering a play-off game to replace Leon

According to different sources, FIFA is considering an unconventional approach to organize a single play-off game to determine which team would replace Club Leon in the competition.

Renowned football journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated a showdown between Club America and Los Angeles FC is on the cards, with the winner securing the coveted last place in the Group D, consisting of Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance.

The FIFA spokesperson stated the following on Sunday:

LAFC would participate as runner-up to Club Léon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League through which Club Léon had qualified, Club América would participate as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking through which qualification is also determined.

The winner of the play-off would qualify unless legal proceedings rule otherwise.

The plans to commence the process of arranging a play-off will begin if Club Leon loses their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to be reinstated to the Club World Cup.

CAS has called for a hearing on April 23 in Madrid, Spain, where Leon and Deportiva Alajuelense both will be presented the opportunity to put forward their arguments. Alajuelense had previously filed the complaint at CAS, asserting that León's inclusion was against FIFA regulations as they have also claimed a spot in the tournament instead.

Read Also | Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense demand Club World Cup spot following Club Leon's exclusion

Both clubs must submit their legal documents by April 2, prior to the hearing on the 23rd. Any announcements concerning a possible substitute will likely not be made until the legal issues are settled.

"I think it's a grave injustice": James Rodriguez expressed his disappointment

The exclusion of Club Leon has heavily affected the Mexican side's talisman player, the Colombian star James Rodriguez. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder did not hesitate to express his disappointment regarding this decision. He said:

I think it's a grave injustice. We all believe that. We won on the pitch. The club and the players are hurt by this. If we're out, it's not fair. The team that would replace us would be stained, and football would be stained.

So many fans have planned to travel to the tournament; how do you tell them that they can't go? I have a lot of questions about all this. It's odd. I think FIFA has to get their things together. Football is stained by this. 

ESPN revealed that when asked about qualifying for the tournament, Club América head coach Andre Jardine assured his team's eagerness to earn the spot by battling on the field. According to him:

León should go to the Club World Cup. I'm sad for the institution, and I'd like them to find a solution so they can go,

"If it doesn't happen, then América has been doing things well for a long time. It's true that they haven't yet won the Concacaf Champions Cup, which is a dream of ours and a very clear objective.

"We're leading most of the Mexican tournaments and the Concacaf ranking, which is one of the criteria. If you ask me if I want to go to the Club World Cup, of course it's true, but I'd like to go to the Club World Cup by achieving it on the field. That's what we're working towards.

However, nothing has been finalized yet, and FIFA will also have to wait until the CAS hearing is able to curve out any solutionary measure. 

Read Also | FIFA announce Club World Cup 2025 prize money: USD 1 billion pool, winner to get record USD 125 million