India to Host Intercontinental Cup 2024 in Hyderabad
The Indian men’s football team is set to participate in the Intercontinental Cup 2024 during the FIFA window in September. The tournament will be held in Hyderabad from September 2 to 10.
Teams and Tournament History
This year, the Intercontinental Cup will be a tri-nation tournament, featuring India, Syria, and Mauritius. Syria is participating for the second time, while Mauritius is making its debut. India has won the tournament twice, in 2018 and 2023.
Rankings and Participation
Currently, Syria ranks 93rd in the latest FIFA rankings, Mauritius is 179th, and India is 124th. This will be India’s first major tournament without legendary player Sunil Chhetri, who retired from international football.
New Coach: Manolo Marquez
The AIFF has appointed Spanish head coach Manolo Marquez as Igor Stimac’s successor. Marquez, who has a successful track record in the Indian Super League, will make his debut with the senior national team in this tournament. He aims to bring a new era of success to Indian football.
Previous Coach: Igor Stimac
Igor Stimac’s tenure ended following India’s poor performance in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and an early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Stimac had 19 wins, 14 draws, and 20 losses with the senior men’s team.
Marquez’s appointment is seen as a new beginning for Indian football, with supporters hopeful for a more prosperous era under his direction.
Doubts Revealed
Intercontinental Cup -: The Intercontinental Cup is a football (soccer) tournament where teams from different continents compete against each other.
Hyderabad -: Hyderabad is a big city in India, known for its rich history, culture, and delicious food.
Sunil Chhetri -: Sunil Chhetri is a famous Indian football player who has scored many goals for the Indian team. He recently retired from playing for the national team.
Manolo Marquez -: Manolo Marquez is a football coach from Spain. He has been successful in the Indian Super League, which is a popular football league in India.
Igor Stimac -: Igor Stimac is a former football coach of the Indian men’s football team. He was a player from Croatia before becoming a coach.
Indian Super League -: The Indian Super League (ISL) is a professional football league in India where different teams from various cities compete against each other.
