Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC ISL 2024-25 Final Highlights | Mohun Bagan complete the league double, wins the ISL Cup coming from behind | FT MBSG 2-1 BFC
Catch the highlights of the Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC ISL 2024-25 Final match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the ultimate showdown between Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FCat the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Mohun Bagan SG will leave no stone unturned to complete the 'league double' by lifting the ISL Cup after clinching the ISL 2024-25 League Shield, whereas Bengaluru FC will look to avenge their defeat in the 2022-23 season's final to the same opponents and win the Cup.
As the intense drama is all set to unfold tonight for the last time this season, just sit back and enjoy the match as we provide 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 channelsto get all the news and scores.
LIVE Updates
Apr 12, 2025, 6:20 PM
The photo Mariners have been waiting for!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:42 PM
Thank you everyone!
With the final, our LIVE coverage for Indian Super League 2024-25 comes to an end!
Lots of memories and lots of love from your side as well!
Thank you all for staying with us throughout the season!
โ Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) April 12, 2025
Apr 12, 2025, 4:32 PM
120'+2' | HERE GOES THE FINAL WHISTLE! | FT MBSG 2-1 BFC
Apr 12, 2025, 4:32 PM
120'+1' | Brilliant Vishal Kaith!
Vishal Kaith came off his line to quickly punch the ball away following a dangerous Noguera cross!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:31 PM
120' | 1 minute added on!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:28 PM
118' | Sivasakthi gets booked
Sivasakthi Narayanan received a booking for elbowing Alberto Rodriguez.
Apr 12, 2025, 4:28 PM
117' | Substitution for Bengaluru FC
In: Vinith Vebnkatesh
Out: Naorem Roshan Singh
Apr 12, 2025, 4:25 PM
115' | Way over for Fanai
Fanai sliced a sliding strike following Sivasakthi's cross from the right, but the shot went way over the crosspiece!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:24 PM
114' | Substitution for Bengaluru FC
In: Sivasakthi Narayanan
Out: Ryan Williams
Apr 12, 2025, 4:24 PM
112' | Brilliamnt tackle from Apuia!
The ball came back into play following a clearing header from Gurpreet, as Salah was sprinting upwards on a counter. Apuia made a brilliant diving tackle in the middle of the park, dispossessing the player off the ball!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:21 PM
110' | Yellow for Stewart
Greg Stewart is shown the yellow for distracting the opposition.
Apr 12, 2025, 4:21 PM
109' | Petratos goes wide!
Dimitri Petratos found Stewart's pass inside the box and tried to generate space for him before launching a left-footed shot that sailed past the left post.
Apr 12, 2025, 4:19 PM
108' | Chance for Mohun Bagan
Sahal received a long ball from the middle and whipped in an overpowered cross from the right that went wide past the target.
Apr 12, 2025, 4:18 PM
108' | Chhetri goes off target!
Sunil Chhetri's free-kick from the edge of the box soared past the wall but went just over the crossbar!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:16 PM
106' | Yellow for Tangri
Deepak Tangri is booked for a foul on Noguera!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:16 PM
106' | The second half of AET begins!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:14 PM
105'+1' | The whistle is blown! | AET HT MBSG 2-1 BFC
The first half of the added extra time ends!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:12 PM
105' | 1 minute added on
Apr 12, 2025, 4:09 PM
102' | Substitution for Mohun Bagan SG
In: Dimitri Petratos
Out: Jamie Maclaren
Apr 12, 2025, 4:06 PM
99' | Alberto makes a clearance
Sunil Chhetri powered a header on target following a corner, but Alberto Rodriguez made a crucial clearance.
Stewart passed it into the box as Sana failed to anticipate it well due to a heavy touch. The ball was swiftly stolen by Maclaren, and he turned quickly before slotting the ball home through Gurpreet's legs with a powerful grounded strike, nutmegging the Bengaluru custodian!
Mohun Bagan are leading!
Apr 12, 2025, 4:02 PM
95' | Apuia gets blocked
Mohun Bagan went on to a counter-attack
Apr 12, 2025, 4:01 PM
94' | Chance for Bengaluru!
This instance nodded to the first goal as Ryan Williams's cross from the right almost went into the box, getting deflected off Alberto's feet. However, Vishal Kaith made an excellent save this time!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:58 PM
91' | Added extra time begins!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:57 PM
Substitution | Bengaluru FC
In: Mohammad Salah
Out: Suresh Singh Wangjam
Apr 12, 2025, 3:55 PM
Substitution | Mohun Bagan SG
In: Deepak Tangri
Out: Subhasish Bose
Apr 12, 2025, 3:53 PM
90'+5' | The regulation time has ended! | MBSG 1-1 BFC
All square after the end of regulation time as we will head on to the extra time!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:52 PM
90'+3' | So close for Maclaren!
Stewart delivered a brilliant through pass from down the middle, which was not very well-anticipated by Maclaren right in front of the goal.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:51 PM
90'+3' | Yellow for Apuia
Apuia received the first yellow for Mohun Bagan for his foul on Noguera a couple of minutes ago.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:48 PM
90' | 4 minutes of stoppage time added on
Apr 12, 2025, 3:48 PM
90' | Brilliant save from Gurpreet!
Ashique sublimely dribbled in and out on the left before launching a strike that was denied by Gurpreet with a strong hand!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:47 PM
89' | Capo gets booked
Pedro Capo is shown the yellow for obstructing Ashique on his running line.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:44 PM
85' | Yellow for Diaz
The Blues' forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz gets the first booking tonight for a rough foul on Tom Aldred.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:42 PM
83' | That was close!
Ashique delivered a cross into the box from the left, which was headed in by Maclaren. However, the ball deflected off Chinglensana's feet but did not create much danger as it went wide off the goal.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:39 PM
81' | Substitution for Mohun Bagan SG
In: Greg Stewart
Out: Jason Cummings
Apr 12, 2025, 3:37 PM
79' | Williams skies it over
Ryan Williams sliced an ambitious left-footed strike from a distance that soared way over the crossbar!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:36 PM
77' | Sahal goes off target!
Sahal Abdul Samad anticipated the rebound on the edge of the box and unleashed a right-footed curler, but it went just wide off the far post!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:33 PM
74' | So close for Maclaren!
Asish Rai delivered a vicious cross from the right, but Maclaren's free header went over the crossbar from the six-yard box!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:31 PM
72' | GOALLLL! Jason Cummings equalizes from the spot! | MBSG 1-1 BFC
Jason Cummings does it AGAIN!
A mixture of calmness and composure from the Australian!
Cummings slotted his strike with a powerful spotkick that went into the box through the left bottom corner, which Gurpreet failed to keep out despite jumping to the right side.
The Mariners are back in business!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:29 PM
70' | Penalty for Mohun Bagan SG!
Huge appeal from Bagan players!
Cummings's cross was whipped into the box, and Chinglensana made a touch with a well-extended right hand inside the box while trying to mark Maclaren!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:26 PM
68' | Subtitution for Bengaluru FC
In: Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Out: Edgar Mendez
Apr 12, 2025, 3:25 PM
66' | Another chance for Sahal!
Sahal had another attempt from the middle of the box, but Rahul Bheke made a masterful block to deny the Mohun Bagan midfielder again!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:24 PM
65' | Chance for Mohun Bagan!
Sahal Abdul Samad danced through the opposition defenders from the left and took a strike close to the goal, but Fanai made an important tackle in the very last moment!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:20 PM
62' | Substitutions for Mohun Bagan SG
In: Sahal Abdul Samad, Ashique Kuruniyan
Out: Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco
Apr 12, 2025, 3:18 PM
60' | Substitution for Bengaluru FC
In: Lalremtluanga Fanai
Out: Namgyal Bhutia
Apr 12, 2025, 3:17 PM
59' | Vishal collects
Vishal Kaith took no risks as he palmed a less powerful strike from Noguera from outside the box.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:16 PM
57' | Chance for Cummings!
Subhasish won the ball in the middle and passed it to Cummings, who generated some space just on the edge of the box before taking a left-footed strike that was tipped away by Gurpreet!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:14 PM
54' | Effort from Edgar
Edgar Mendez located Vishal off his line and unleashed a strike from almost close to the half-way line, but his shot went wide.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:11 PM
52' | Effort from Liston
Liston Colaco took a strike from outside the box, but he failed to gain the power, ending up in an easy collection for Gurpreet.
Apr 12, 2025, 3:08 PM
49' | GOALLLL! Alberto puts it into his own net! | MBSG 0-1 BFC
Ryan Williams sent in a low but powerful cross from the right that deflected off Alberto's feet and diverted into Mohun Bagan's net, leaving Vishal stunned!
Bengaluru are ahead through an own goal!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:06 PM
47' | So close for Manvir!
Jason Cummings whipped in a cross into the box, but Manvir's header went inches off the target!
Apr 12, 2025, 3:05 PM
47' | Brilliant save from Vishal!
What a save from Vishal Kaith!
Noguera dribbled past the defender on the right and passed it to Williams in the middle of the box, whose right-footed strike was denied by Vishal!
Sunil Chhetri powered a header from a close range to the left following Wiliams's cross, but the ball soared past the target.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:47 PM
45'+2' | Brilliant shielding from Suresh
Suresh Singh Wangjam made shielded Maclaren quickly on the line to dispossess him off the ball.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:45 PM
45' | 2 minutes added on to the first half
Apr 12, 2025, 2:44 PM
44' | Effort from Edgar
Edgar Mendez attempted a powerful strike from almost 35 yards out of the goal, but the shot soared past the target.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:43 PM
42' | Another chance for Mohun Bagan
Cummings sprinted toward the box with the ball as he chipped it forward for Maclaren from between two opposition defenders, but the forward failed to connect it.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:40 PM
40' | Good collection from Vishal!
Vishal Kaith stayed alert in collecting a grounded pass from Ryan Wiliams on the right flank.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:39 PM
38' | Close for Ryan!
Sunil Chhetri drifted the ball to the other end with his header, but Ryan Williams failed to anticipate the ball.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:38 PM
37' | Another block from Subhasish
Ryan Williams unleashed a left-footed strike from the right side of the box, but Subhasish made another crucial block.
Following the second ball, the Bengaluru winger unleashed another strike that curled onto the target, but Vishal had his fingertips on it, denying it from going in.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:36 PM
35' | Noguera goes wide
Alberto Noguera's free-kick from the middle of the park went way wide off the right post.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:35 PM
33' | End-to-end contest so far
The attacks are flooding toward either side of the pitch.
The Mariners had a flashy start, but the Blues have caught up the tempo and managed to keep them under pressure as well.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:31 PM
30' | Chance for Bengaluru
Ryan Williams looked dangerous from the right on a quick counter-attack, but Alberto Rodriguez made a brilliant covering from behind to dilute the danger.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:30 PM
30' | Chance for Mohun Bagan
Cummings put forward a through pass into the box, but Jamie Maclaren failed to catch up.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:29 PM
26' | Appeal from Bengaluru
Ryan Wiliams delivered a cross from the right, and Subhasish Bose seemed to have made contact with his hand inside the box, but his hand was adjacent to his body. Convincingly, the referee did not give any penalty.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:27 PM
25' | Clearance from Subhasish
Mohun Bagan skipper Subhasish Bose is staying alert in the defence.
He denied Edgar Mendez on the right to make a crucial clearance.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:24 PM
23' | Chance for Bengaluru!
Namgyal Bhutia whipped in a cross from the left flank, which dipped in and targeted the top corner, but Vishal Kaith made a strong high claim.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:22 PM
22' | Effort from Liston
Liston anticipated a headed clearance from Chinglensana as he unleashed a long-ranger from a distance, but his ambitious effort skied way over the target.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:20 PM
19' | What a brilliant goal-line save from Subhasish!
Subhasish Bose stayed robust on the goal-line to deny a headed effort by Sunil Chhetri following the corner, as Vishal Kaith collected the second ball, which came off Edgar Mendez's effort.
Captain to captain face-off!
Apr 12, 2025, 2:18 PM
18' | Gurpreet stays alert!
Manvir Singh sprinted upwards on the right as he delivered a grounded pass into the box, but Gurpreet made a quick grab to deny Maclaren from taking a chance.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:17 PM
17' | Sunil hits the wall
Sunil Chhetri unleashed a low strike from the free-kick, but the Mohun Bagan wall denied him.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:15 PM
14' | Chance for Mohun Bagan
Colaco sliced a grounded cross from the left into the box as Rahul Bheke anticipated it. However, his clearance did not go past Anirudh Thapa, who attempted a quick strike off the error, but Rahul Bheke redeemed his mistake with a great block.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:13 PM
13' | Straight to Gurpreet
Cummings whipped in the free-kick into the middle of the box, but no other Mohun Bagan player followed it. Gurpreet made a routine collection.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:09 PM
9' | So close for Maclaren!
Jamie Maclaren found the ball following an error from Naorem on the right side of the box, as his powerful right-footed strike was punched away by Gurpreet!
The rebound deflected off Cumming's feet from the six-yard box!
Apr 12, 2025, 2:06 PM
5' | Gurpreet collects
Following a long ball delivered from the middle, Maclaren failed to meet it inside the box. His second attempt was denied by Naorem with a powerful clearance, and Manvir's effort from a close angle on the right was easily collected by Gurpreet.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:05 PM
4' | Good interception from Subhasish
Subhasish Bose made a final-moment interception to dispossess Wiliams off the ball inside the box.
Apr 12, 2025, 2:01 PM
1' | Kick Off!
The Mariners get things underway in the 2024-25 Indian Super League FINAL in Kolkata!
Mohun Bagan are donning their iconic green and maroon shirts, and Bengaluru are wearing their Blue shirts!
โ Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) April 12, 2025
Apr 12, 2025, 11:58 AM
All to play for!
Apr 12, 2025, 11:56 AM
"Our battle will be legendary"
Apr 12, 2025, 11:54 AM
What a game this is gonna be!
Apr 12, 2025, 11:53 AM
Pre-final Training | MBSG and BFC
Apr 12, 2025, 11:52 AM
Earlier this season
On 28 September 2024, Bengaluru FC crushed Mohun Bagan SG 3-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Edgar Mendez, Suresh Singh Wangjam, and Sunil Chhetri found themselves on the scoresheet.
In the reverse fixture on 27 January 2025, Liston Colaco's only goal avenged the defeat for the Mariners as they beat the Blues 1-0 at the VYBK, Kolkata.
Bengaluru FC Head Coach Gerard Zaragoza, who showed exemplary camaraderie by helping a translate a question for his counterpart Molina, was chuffed about playing the big final in Kolkata.
โWe are very motivated for the finals and excited for the game. Everything is fine. We are confident and Kolkata is almost like our second home, because we were here for the Durand Cup. We had a good playoffs and we are looking forward to the grand finale.โ
Apr 12, 2025, 11:45 AM
The Masterminds | Jose Molina
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Kolkata ahead of the final, Mohun Bagan Super Giant Head Coach Jose Molina stressed on the importance of looking forward and not worrying about the past.
โI donโt care about what happened in the past. I am trying to do my best for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. We did well to win the League Shield and we are motivated to win the ISL Cup too. I donโt need extra motivation from the fact that we lost the final last year. We are already motivated enough.โ
The live telecast of the Final will be available on the Star Sports 3 TV Channel. The live streaming will also be available on the JioHostar App and website.
Inter Kashi were on Friday declared I-League 2024-25 champions after the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeal Committee's decision.
I-League, the second tier of Indian Football, was once the top-tier football league of the country, before the Indian Super League (ISL) replaced it. From 1996 to the 2006-07 season, the league was named the National Football League, and from 2007-08, it was rebranded as the I-League.
The league operates on a relegation and promotion system with I-League 2 and a first-only promotion system with the ISL, from the 2022โ23 season. This means the I-League winners get a promotion to the Indian Super League, whereas the bottom team gets relegated to I-League 2.
Since the rebranding of the league, Dempo SC have won the league most times (3). Churchill Brothers, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru and Gokulam Kerala have won the league twice.
Inter Kashi were on Friday declared I-League 2024-25 champions after the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeal Committee's decision of awarding the title to Churchill Brothers of Goa.
This made Inter Kashi only the third team to get promoted from I-League to ISL, after Punjab FC (RoundGlass Punjab), Mohammedan Sporting.
Why was there confusion about announcing the I-League 2024-25 winners?
On 31st May 2025, the AIFF announced Churchill Brothers as the I-League 2024-25 champions after its Appeal Committee ruled against Inter Kashi in a matter related to the fielding of an 'ineligible player'. Inter Kashi finished as the runners-up after getting two points deducted.
However, Inter Kashi filed an appeal against AIFF's decision on 4 June 2025. On 18th July 2025, the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) asked the AIFF to reverse its decision of awarding the 2024-25 season title to Churchill Brothers.
Inter Kashi thus now have won the I-League in their second season in Indian Football.
Former Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri has expressed deep concern over the suspension of the Indian Super League and the future of India's footballing ecosystem.
โThe current situation that Indian football finds itself in, is very concerning. Iโve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs - not just from my club, but from other clubs as well,โ Chhetriwrote on his social media handle X (formerly Twitter).
When my phone went off a few weeks ago informing us of a delay in pre-season by a fortnight, I must admit it made me smile. And thatโs because I was on vacation, hadnโt moved as much as I would have liked to, and hadnโt been eating as clean as I usually do. I had more time than Iโฆ pic.twitter.com/pEGyr8Sp5O
Chhetri, who plays for Bengaluru FC in the ISL, wrote on social media, โIโve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs โ not just from my club, but from other clubs as well.
โEverybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with,โ he added.
There is no new agreement between AIFF and FSDL
The 2025-26 season of the ISL has been put 'on hold' as the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and organising company Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has not been renewed yet.
The Supreme Court has directed the AIFF not to enter into any new agreement with FSDL until a final decision is taken on the AIFF.
A 15-year agreement was signed in 2010
A 15-year agreement between FSDL and AIFF was signed in 2010, under which FSDL pays Rs 50 crore every year to AIFF in return for the rights to broadcast, manage and promote Indian football (including ISL and the national team).
Please stay calm - Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri appealed to all the players and support staff to maintain patience and support each other. He expressed confidence that football will resume soon. The AIFF has also said that it understands the importance of ISL, but it is compelled to follow the court's order.
โI may not have all the answers, but my message to all those involved with Indian football โ and more importantly the ones whose livelihood depends on it, the players, staff, kitmen, masseurs, medical teams, production crews, operations staff โ please stay calm.โ
โWeโll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other. Keep training and getting better. Football has to resume soon. It will,โ Sunil Chhetri shared.
Indian Men's Football Team Drops 6 Places to 133rd, Lowest FIFA Ranking in 9 Years
The Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings lower to 133 in the lastest FIFA World ranking update. Get the full story behind this significant dip the national squad.
The latest update of FIFA Men's World Ranking, released on July 10, 2025, brings in disappointing news for Indian football fans. It revealed that the Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings to 133, putting them at the lowest standing in nine years (since 2016).
The team currently has 1113 rating points, positioned right below Congo and above Central Africa. But what exactly caused this dip for the Blue Tigers?
Let's dive into the details and reasoning behind the rank drop of the Indian men's football team.
Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings to 133: What could be the reason?
The Indian men's football team practicing before the football friendly against Thailand in June'25. Image | The Bridge
Exactly a month before the FIFA World Ranking was released, the Indian men's football team faced a humiliating defeat of 0-1 against lower-ranked Hong Kong, in the Asian Cup qualification round match (on 10 June, 2025).
They had a momentum break before this qualification match, as they lost to Thailand (0-2) in an international friendly on June 4. Despite hosting intensive training camps and sessions, nothing worked for the team.
After a disastrous year in 2024, where the Indian men's football team did not win a single match, leading to a poor Asian Cup campaign and crashing out of FIFA World Cup qualification, the streak continued even in this year. Out of the four matches played this year, they won one, drew another, and lost two.
India recorded only a single win in 8 matches played under Marquez, which came in a friendly against the Maldives in March.
These results directly led to the rumours of the head coach's resignation, which culminated in Manolo Marquez's departure from the AIFF earlier this month (2 July, 2025).
Indian men's football team's best ranking was recorded in February 1996, when they found themselves at 94. In contrast, their lowest was recorded in March 2015, with 173rd rank in the charts.
The latest FIFA World Ranking update placed India at 133, following their disappointing performances in 2024-25. The last time India had a worse ranking was in 2016, placed at 135.
The above-mentioned performances and results are the sole reason why the Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings to 133.
How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup?
Good news for India! With the recent qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, the dream is alive for the Indian women's football team. How can Indian women's football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup? Explore their path and details here.
The ultimate dream for any footballing nation is to compete on the biggest stage like the World Cup, and for Indian women's football team, the dream feels closer now.
On July 5, 2025, India secured AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification with a 2-1 victory over Thailand. The sensational midfielder from Bengal, Sangita Basfore scored both the goals to seal this historic win for the nation!
This crucial win, added to their strong performances againsy Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and Iraq, marked their return to the Asian Cup after 22 years. This success has now fueled the high hopes and big dream of reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Now the question is: How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup? Let's explore the details below.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup. Image | Hindustan Times
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the regional body for football in Asia, operating under FIFA. Crucially, the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 isn't just a continental championship; it's Asia's direct qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
For 2027, Asia gets six direct World Cup spots and two additional play-off chances. This means performing well in this tournament is absolutely vital for India's World Cup dreams.
They will have to fight for the World Cup spot against 11 nations (7 other qualifying nations from 2025, the host Australia, and the top 3 teams from the previous 2022 edition).
Teams qualified alongside India in 2025 Asian Cup qualifiers:
India's qualification roadmap for the 2027 FIFA World Cup
Winning moments from the decisive match against Thailand in Asian Cup qualifiers. Image | X
To reach the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, India's performance at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is everything.
Here's how they can make it possible:
Reach the semi-finals: This is the clearest path for qualification as all four semi-finalists in the Asian Cup will automatically be eligible to qualify for WC.
In case they don't reach semi-finals: If India reaches the quarter-finals but loses, there's still a chance. The losing teams will play additional matches against each other for the remaining two direct World Cup spots and the two play-off berths.
In short, India must aim to be among the top six teams in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 to have a direct shot at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Discover the most promising U-21 footballers in India who are set to define the future of Indian football. Know about their current status and journeys.
The dynamic landscape of Indian football is on the cusp of a new era and set to be carried forward by a generation of young talent. Finding the most promising U-21 footballers in India is the key, as they are the ones who will decide where we stand next.
Let's take a look at some special youngsters who are not only catching the eye of coaches, but are also inspiring the youth with their skill, dedication and ambition.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat (20 years)
Suhail Ahmad Bhat practicing with the Blue Tigers. Image | Facebook
Born: 8 April 2005, Jammu and Kashmir
Position: Centre-Forward
Current team: Mohun Bagan SG
Suhail Ahmad Bhat is a 20-year-old promising young talent, who has quickly become a name to watch in Indian football. He made his mark with the Indian Arrows, and his progress led him to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
He has consistently proved his ability to find the net and did well across various competitions like the Durand Cup, CFL, and Super Cup. His journey began with early recognition, even being featured by The Guardian as one of the best young talents globally born in 2005.
Suhail already represented India in U-16 (where he scored on his debut match) and U-23 level. He also recently got called up for the senior India national team and debuted in 2025.
Joseph Sunny captured between practice sessions for Hyderabad FC. Image | X
Born: 13 October 2003, Kerala
Position: Forward
Current team: Hyderabad FC
Joseph Sunny is a tall attacking striker who has emerged as a key player for Hyderabad FC. His strength lies in his style of play, which turns out to be really impactful for the team. He played in tournaments like the Kalinga Super Cup and I-League and made his ISL debut in the 2023-24 season.
Sunny has made his deserving spot in the playing XI for Hyderabad, featuring in most of their matches. His ISL performances highlighted his eagerness to contribute to the team and also his rising stature.
Korou Singh Thingujam (18 years)
Korou Singh Thingujam playing for Kerala Blasters in ISL. Image | Instagram
Born: 3 December 2006, Manipur
Position: Second Striker, Right Winger
Current Team: Kerala Blasters FC
Korou Singh Thingujam has rapidly risen through the ranks at Kerala Blasters FC, showcasing exceptional skill as a second striker. He initially made an impact by scoring on his debut with the reserve team, and then quickly earned his spot in the senior team.
His ISL debut in 2024 made him one of the youngest players to do so. He also got an extension of contract for Kerala Blasters till 2029, which highlights the team's faith in his abilities.
Korou was a part of the Indian U-17 team that won the 2022 SAFF U-17 Championship, and even scored in the final. He also got to play for the U-20 side in 2024, scoring 1 goal in 5 appearances.
Mohammed Sanan (21 years)
Mohammed Sanan playing for Jamshedpur FC in ISL. Image | Instagram
Born: 5 April 2004, Kerala
Position: Left Winger
Current Team: Jamshedpur FC
Mohammed Sanan is a talented young left-winger, who emerged from the Reliance Foundation Young Champs' (RFYC) academy. His strong foundation saw him get a long-term deal with Jamshedpur FC.
Sanan quickly made his way to the senior team, starting with the Durand Cup and later making it to the ISL. He is the most reliable young performer in the team, who also appeared in two games for the India U-23 team in his international career.
Bikash Yumnam is a 21-year-old solid centre-back who has established himself as a decent defensive presence. He has gained experience playing for clubs like Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC, before joining Kerala Blasters FC.
He seems to constantly develop his game, along with focusing on positioning, tackling, and aerial abilities.
Bikash was a part of the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship winning squad of India and was also a part of the U-16 team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2018AFC U-18 Championship in Malaysia.
Tekcham Abhishek Singh (20 years)
Tekcham Abhishek Singh playing for Punjab FC. Image | Transfermarkt
Born: 2 January 2005, Manipur
Position: Left back
Current team: Punjab FC
Tekcham Abhishek Singh is a highly praised left-back, known for his defensive solidity and energetic run. His journey began at Minerva Academy, from where he moved to Punjab FC and became a crucial part of the team.
Abhishek's impressive ISL performance led to a tug-of-war between major Kolkata clubs for his signature, ultimately leading his move to Mohun Bagan SG. He will soon be joining their side and will continue to play brilliant football.
After playing for the U-20 and U-23 Indian teams, he got a call-up to the senior national team under coach Manolo Marquez. He has already made his debut with the team and has a long way to go.
Nikhil Barla (21 years)
Nikhil Barla in ISL. Image | X
Born: 5 August 2003, Jharkhand
Position: Right Back
Current team: Jamshedpur FC
Nikhil Barla is a 21-year-old emerging talent who trained at the prestigious TATA Football Academy. He began his journey with Jamshedpur FC's youth and reserve teams, where he worked tremendously hard to transition into the senior squad.
Barla quickly became an integral part of their defence and gained significant experience playing in the ISL. This hardworking boy is steadily climbing towards his dream with immense discipline and dedication.
His consistent performance earned him a place in India's U-23 probable squad, and there's more to come!
Vinith Venkatesh celebrates a goal for Bengaluru FC. Image | NDTV Sports
Born: 31 July 2005, Bengaluru
Position: Midfielder
Current team: Bengaluru FC
Vinith Venkatesh made his senior debut in the 2024 Durand Cup for Bengaluru FC, where he also scored against Mohun Bagan SG in the semi-finals. He made his ISL debut in the same year, potentially growing his skills while playing alongside experienced footballers.
Bengaluru FC is a club known for youth development, and the inclusion of a talented youngster like Vinith makes the vision for the future even brighter. As a midfielder, he contributes to ball distribution, tackling, and both offensive and defensive transitions.
Sahil Poonia (19 years)
Sahil Poonia in his debut ISL match for Bengaluru FC. Image | Instagram
Born: 8 March 2006, Haryana
Position: Goalkeeper
Current team: Bengaluru FC
Sahil Poonia is another 19-year-old young talent who represents Bengaluru FC as a goalkeeper. He hails from Haryana and has worked really hard to come his far and keep up with the dynamic football world.
Poonia has already featured for India at various youth levels, including U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams, which is a strong indicator of his potential as a future national team goalkeeper.
Singamayum Shami (18 years)
Singamayum Shami in ISL. Image | Cricketnmore
Born: 18 April 2007, Manipur
Position: Midfielder
Current team: Punjab FC
Singamayum Shami is a highly exciting attacking midfielder for Punjab FC. He swiftly made his mark in his flourishing career and became the youngest goalscorer in the history of ISL (at 17 years) in 2025.
Shami had an exceptional ability to handle pressure and even score at those times. He was a part of the India U-20 team that won the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2025. Not only was he a key part of the team, but also earned the mostvaluable player award of the tournament.
Gurnaj Singh Grewal representing East Bengal. Image | X
Born: 9 January 2007, Punjab
Position: Midfielder
Current team: East Bengal FC
Gurnaj Singh Grewal is a promising midfielder who has been a part of the youth setup at East Bengal FC. He has an amazing ability to control the tempo of the game and initiate offensive plays.
He has contributed to East Bengal's reserve squad, contributing to their success, including winning the Calcutta Football League 2024-25. Internationally, he represented India at the U-17 and U-19 levels and was a part of the SAFF U-19 Championship-winning squad.