India Create History by Qualifying for FIFAe Nations Cup 2022

On Saturday, India made history as they qualified for the FIFA Nations Cup 2022 for the first time. From July 27 to 30, 2022, Copenhagen, Denmark will host the esports showcase event, the first time that India has competed there. India qualified for the FIFAe Nations Series 2022 Finals with victories against Korea Republic and Malaysia in the Playoffs. 

In January 2021, AIFF inked a participation agreement with FIFA for the FIFAe Nations Series 2021, which officially began the voyage of the Indian efootball squad. 60 countries took part, with India grouped among those from the Middle East and Africa. In the end, India came in third place in the zone and missed out on a spot in the FIFAe Nations Playoffs 2021. 

India was relocated to the Asia/Oceania area for the 2022 season and received a position in the Play-Ins, which would guarantee a spot in the Playoffs (the last stage before the Nations Cup). After 32 matches, India won 12 games, lost 11 and drew nine during the play-ins. As a result of ranking second in the Consistency Points list, India has now qualified for the Playoffs and is one step closer to the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022. During this time, India rose to a global ranking of 19, a record high for the country.

India maintained their position in Division 1 over the four matchweeks.