Dribble Diaries

The stage is set for another chapter in Indian women's football history as the Young Tigresses begin their AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign against Indonesia on Wednesday, August 6, at 18:00 IST. This opening encounter at the Thuwunna Stadium in Myanmar represents far more than just a group stage match – it's the beginning of India's quest to secure one of the coveted spots in next year's continental championship. The Road to Myanmar: India's Preparation Journey Under the guidance of head coach Joakim Alexandersson, who announced a carefully selected 23-member squad on July 31, 2025, the Young Tigresses have been meticulously preparing for this crucial qualifying campaign. The Swedish tactician, known for his methodical approach and emphasis on tactical discipline, has assembled a squad that blends promising youth talent with players who have already shown their mettle at various age-group levels. The Young Tigresses are in Group D and will pla...

The stage is set in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for a thrilling duel to determine the definitive Group B champion in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. On July 5th, under the evening lights, the Indian Tigresses will face off against the formidable Chaba Kaew of Thailand. This isn't just another group stage match; it's a winner-takes-all clash, a culmination of weeks of intense preparation and impressive performances from both sides. With only the group winner securing a coveted spot in the main tournament in Australia, the stakes could not be higher. The atmosphere is palpable. Football fans across Asia, particularly in India and Thailand, are buzzing with anticipation. Social media is ablaze with predictions, analyses, and fervent support for their respective nations. This match is more than just a game; it's a narrative of ambition, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in women's football. The Journey So Far: A Tale of Dominance and Determination Bo...

For decades, Indian football has remained a region of untapped promise.  A nation of 1.4 billion people, overflowing with enthusiasm and a growing desire for the "beautiful game," has constantly behind its Asian competitors, let alone the global elite.  Following the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s, there was a period of stagnation, which left supporters hoping for a rebirth.  With the recently adopted National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, nicknamed "Khelo Bharat Niti 2025," there is a renewed sense of optimism, a clear blueprint that could finally serve as the game-changer Indian football so sorely requires. Unveiled with the ambitious goal of placing India among the top five sporting nations by 2047 – the centenary of its independence – the NSP 2025 is more than just a policy; it's a comprehensive strategic roadmap. It replaces the obsolete 2001 policy and, more importantly, is based on five transformational pillars:  Excellence on the Global Stage, Sports for ...

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, a tournament that unites nations, inspires generations, and writes legends. For decades, only a select group of nations have consistently graced the grand stage, leaving smaller footballing nations dreaming of their moment in the spotlight. But in 2026, history will be made. Uzbekistan and Jordan, two nations with passionate football cultures but no prior World Cup appearances, have defied the odds and secured their places in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026. This milestone is not just a triumph for their national teams but a celebration of perseverance, tactical evolution, and the growing globalization of football. 1. The Road to Qualification: Breaking Barriers Uzbekistan’s Long-Awaited Breakthrough Uzbekistan has long been one of Asia’s strongest teams that never quite made it to the World Cup. Despite dominating Central Asian football and producing talents like Server Djeparov and Odil Ahmedov, they repeatedly fe...

Indian football has seen glimpses of progress in recent years—rising FIFA rankings, improved infrastructure, and the emergence of young talents like Sunil Chhetri, Anirudh Thapa, and Sahal Abdul Samad. Yet, when it comes to competing against global giants in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup, the Indian national team often struggles to make a significant impact. Why does a country of 1.4 billion people, with a rich footballing history dating back to the 1950s, still lag behind nations like Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia? What are the structural, tactical, and systemic challenges holding back Indian football from reaching its true potential? Let’s dive deep into the challenges and potential solutions for Indian football. 1. Historical Context: India’s Football Legacy & Decline The Golden Era (1950s-60s) India was once a dominant force in Asian football, finishing 4th in the 1956 Olympics and reaching the Asian Cup finals in 1964. The team qualified for the 1950 FI...

When an international break occurs, especially in the middle of a league season, few football fans rejoice. Club football was put on hold for over two weeks when players traveled to represent their countries in the Nations League and 2026 World Cup qualifications. While many will welcome the end of this brief hiatus, the international break provided plenty of drama and discussion points. Here are four major takeaways from the final international break of the 2024/25 season. Myles Lewis-Skelly has a dream England debut. Myles Lewis-Skelly, an Arsenal player, made an impressive start for England in their World Cup qualifying opener against Albania. The teenager opened the scoring for the Three Lions, latching onto a brilliant pass from Jude Bellingham and slotting home to become England's youngest player to score on his professional debut. Lewis-Skelly's historic 20th-minute strike also set the tone for England's 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium, giving new manager T...

The number of Asian players playing in the English Premier League has more than doubled, representing Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and other teams. In the 12-year history of the Women's Super League, there has only ever been eight Japanese players prior to the start of the 2023–24 season. In less than two years, that number has more than doubled, and the only nations outside of the UK having more WSL players than the Asian country at the moment are Australia, Sweden, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Every week, these players also take center stage. Last Friday, Liverpool surprised Manchester United at Anfield thanks to goals and assists from Fuka Nagano. Aoba Fujino equalized Manchester City in the League Cup final the next day by launching a shot past Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. Then, in an all-English Champions League quarterfinal repeat of that match on Wednesday, Yui Hasegawa's incredible poise was crucial in the move that gave Vivianne Miedema the opp...

Five things to watch during the international break in preparation for important Nations League matches and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Who will advance to the quarterfinals of the first Nations League? Quarterfinals have been added to the UEFA Nations League for the first time. As the top eight compete for spots in this summer's finals, the two-leg matches will take place during the next break. The current winners and holders of the European championship are Spain, and La Roja is the favorite to win the title again. This month, Luis de la Fuenta's team plays the Netherlands in what is undoubtedly the best quarterfinal matchup. Rematches of the 1982 and 2018 World Cup finals are scheduled elsewhere, with Croatia playing France and Italy playing Germany. Denmark will face first-time Nations League winners Portugal in the decisive quarterfinal round. Quarterfinal matches for the UEFA Nations League First legs: March 20 France versus Croatia Portugal versus Denmar...