Unity Cup: India likely to face Nigeria, Jamaica in UK

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed participation of the men’s national team at the four-nation Unity Cup in London where Nigeria (world no 21) and Jamaica (71) are expected to be the highest-ranked participating countries.
Nigeria surprisingly missed out on qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the playoff stage, while Jamaica were one win away from the competition, until they lost a nervy final round qualifier against DR Congo on Tuesday
The two teams are expected to be the biggest attractions at the Unity Cup which will be played from May 26-30.
Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago took part in last year’s tournament while Republic of Ireland, Nigeria and Jamaica featured in the original Unity Cup held in the summer of 2004.
“The Unity Cup features nations with large communities in the UK,” a senior official told TOI on Wednesday. “India have been invited for the first time.” There is no word yet on the fourth participating team, though it’s likely to be from Africa.
The Unity Cup is a knockout tournament with the semifinal winners moving to the final while the losing teams will feature in the clash for third place.
The Indian football team’s first visit to England was at the 1948 London Olympics. The last full-fledged tour was in 2000 when the Bhaichung Bhutia-captained side lost against Fulham (0-2), drew goalless against West Bromwich Albion and concluded the trip by recording a 1-0 victory against Bangladesh in Leicester.
“India has a large community in the UK so the team is expected to attract a good crowd,” said another official.
India defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifier in Kochi on Tuesday. It was the first win for Khalid Jamil’s side, made possible by debutant Australia-born Ryan Williams’ fourth-minute opener.
The Bengaluru FC winger plied his trade at Fulham during the early stages of his career and will now return as a key player for India.
“Everybody worked very hard, and we got the result we wanted. Credit to the players. They have been working very hard. They are playing as a good team, which is important because we need to develop more,” said Jamil.