India Competes with Australia and UAE to Host 2031 Asian Cup Football

India Bids to Host 2031 Asian Cup After Previous Withdrawal

After stepping aside in the race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has once again shown interest in bringing the continent’s premier football tournament to Indian soil. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officially confirmed on Friday that India is among the countries that have submitted an Expression of Interest to host the 2031 edition.

This marks a renewed attempt by India to play host to one of Asia’s biggest sporting events, having earlier withdrawn its bid for the 2027 Asian Cup amid Saudi Arabia’s strong campaign. The move back then had raised eyebrows, as no detailed explanation was provided by AIFF. Eventually, Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2027 edition and is also set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The AFC revealed that it has received a record seven Expressions of Interest for the 2031 Asian Cup, reflecting growing enthusiasm and competition among member nations. Apart from India, it also includes a joint bid from Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The expression of interest period ended on March 31, 2025, and the bidding process formally began on November 27, 2024. With several powerful footballing nations involved, there will be stiff competition for the hosting rights.

India’s renewed bid demonstrates the country’s growing interest in international football and its continued efforts to promote the game at both amateur and professional levels in its home country.