The Dasharath Stadium, Nepal’s only international standard football stadium has been approved by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host international matches again. The All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) reported by confirming the AFC’s decision and the National Sports Council (NSC) made this proclamation in response.
Earlier this year, the AFC had relocated Nepal’s home match for the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualification against Bahrain to an away venue. The stadium had been deemed unfit to meet international standards at the time. The decision followed several non-football events held at the stadium, including the National 15s Rugby League Championship, the Nepal Super League, and the 49th convocation ceremony of Tribhuvan University.
Due to the stadium’s disqualification, Nepal played both rounds of their World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain at the Bahrain National Stadium, suffering 5-0 and 3-0 defeats. In addition, Nepal lost 4-0 when their home game against the United Arab Emirates was shifted to Saudi Arabia. With five losses and one tie (2-2 Nepal versus Oman), Nepal’s World Cup qualifying campaign ended before they could advance to the third round.
Following the forced relocation of the national team’s home matches, the National Sports Council (NSC) assumed oversight of the Dasharath Stadium from the All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA). AFC representatives inspected the stadium on July 24, leading to the restoration of its international hosting status. With the restoration, on August 13 AFC Challenge League qualification playoff was matched between Bhutan’s Paro FC and Nepal’s Church Boys, winners of the A-Division League that may take place at the Dasharath Stadium. This is a good development for Nepalese football, giving national and local clubs a chance to participate in international competitions on home soil.
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