India Joins Race to Host AFC Asian Cup 2031 with Official Bid Submission

In a landmark move for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially entered the race to host the prestigious AFC Asian Cup 2031. The bid places India among a record seven contenders vying for the tournament, reflecting the rising global profile of Asian football.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed receiving seven Expressions of Interest (EoI) by the March 31 deadline—an unprecedented number in the competition’s modern history. The announcement was made during the 6th AFC Executive Committee meeting, chaired by AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, on the eve of the 35th AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur.

Joining India in the bid are Football Australia, the Football Association of Indonesia, Korea Football Association, Kuwait Football Association, United Arab Emirates Football Association, and a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Shaikh Salman lauded the overwhelming response, calling it a testament to the AFC Asian Cup’s stature. “The AFC Asian Cup is one of the greatest success stories in world football. The record number of bids reflects the appeal of Asia’s premier men’s tournament and the growing ambitions of our Member Associations,” he said.

The 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, recently held in Qatar, set new benchmarks with record spectatorship, FIFA World Cup-standard venues, and an astonishing 7.9 billion digital impressions. Broadcast in over 160 countries, the event cemented the tournament’s global appeal.

India’s bid signals the AIFF’s determination to elevate the sport on home turf. Over recent years, the federation has made concerted efforts in infrastructure development, grassroots initiatives, and international exposure. If selected, it would mark a historic moment for Indian football, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities as a global sports destination.

“The interest shown by our Member Associations mirrors their increasing confidence and capacity to deliver world-class events. Hosting the AFC Asian Cup brings immense opportunities—from boosting infrastructure to technical advancements and international recognition,” added Shaikh Salman.

The AFC will now engage with all bidding nations to coordinate the next stages of the evaluation process. With Saudi Arabia already set to host the 2027 edition, the final decision on the 2031 host is expected to be a major step forward in Asia’s footballing ascent.

The 35th AFC Congress will be streamed live on April 12 at 10 AM.