Overview
The Nepal national football team, often referred to as the 'Gorkhalis', represents the South Asian nation of Nepal in men's international football. The team operates under the auspices of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), which serves as the governing body for football in Nepal. ANFA was founded in 1951 and gained affiliation with FIFA in 1972, subsequently becoming a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the same year [1]. Nepal's home matches are primarily played at the Dasharath Rangasala in Kathmandu, the country's capital and largest city. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators and is a central venue for both domestic and international fixtures [2].
As of April 2026, Nepal holds the 175th position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking [3]. Their history in international football is largely concentrated within regional tournaments, particularly the SAFF Championship, which they have hosted and competed in multiple times. Despite not yet qualifying for major continental or global tournaments, the Gorkhalis have built a reputation for their resilient play, particularly against more established Asian sides. The team's identity is deeply intertwined with the national spirit, often reflecting the country's mountainous terrain through their tenacious and robust approach on the pitch. The red jersey, often adorned with the national flag's blue and white, has become a symbol of national pride during international competitions.
Participation in AFC-sanctioned events, such as the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and the AFC Challenge Cup (now defunct), has provided Nepal with crucial international exposure and development opportunities. Their primary continental objective remains to advance further in these qualification campaigns and eventually reach the group stages of major tournaments. The support for the national team is passionate, with local fans showing significant enthusiasm during home matches. The ongoing development of youth football programs by ANFA aims to cultivate future talent, ensuring a steady pipeline of players for the national squad and strengthening Nepal's standing in regional football.
History
The history of football in Nepal dates back to the early 20th century, with organized football beginning in the 1930s. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was established in 1951, laying the groundwork for a more structured approach to the sport [4]. Nepal played its first official international match on October 13, 1972, against China, losing 6–2 [5]. This marked the beginning of their journey on the international stage, coinciding with their affiliation with FIFA and the AFC in the same year.
The early decades for the Gorkhalis were characterized by limited international exposure and mixed results. Their focus remained largely on regional tournaments. The establishment of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and its flagship competition, the SAFF Championship, in 1993 provided Nepal with a consistent platform for competition against neighboring countries. Nepal hosted the inaugural SAFF Championship and reached the semi-finals, demonstrating early potential [6]. They have since been a regular participant, with their best finish being third place in 1993 and 1999.
The 2000s saw a period of gradual development, with Nepal participating in various AFC qualification campaigns. A notable period of resurgence occurred in the early to mid-2010s. Under the guidance of coaches like Graham Roberts and later Patrick Aussems, Nepal achieved several significant results. They won the 2016 AFC Solidarity Cup, a tournament for lower-ranked AFC nations, defeating Macau in the final [7]. This victory marked a significant milestone, being their first major AFC-sanctioned trophy. Earlier, in 2013, Nepal secured the Bangabandhu Cup, an invitational tournament in Bangladesh, further boosting their regional profile.
More recently, Nepal has continued to strive for improvement, with a focus on developing local talent and integrating modern coaching methodologies. While qualification for the AFC Asian Cup remains an ambitious goal, the team's performances in SAFF Championships and friendly matches indicate a growing competitiveness. The focus on youth development, exemplified by ANFA's academies and grassroots initiatives, is crucial for sustained progress. The challenges of limited resources and infrastructure persist, but the passion for football in Nepal continues to drive the national team forward, aiming to make a greater impact on the Asian football landscape.
Major honours
The Nepal national football team has not yet achieved qualification for the FIFA World Cup or the AFC Asian Cup. However, they have a record of success in regional and invitational tournaments, reflecting their competitive spirit within South Asian football. Their most significant achievements include victories in the AFC Solidarity Cup and the Bangabandhu Cup.
| Competition | Result | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Solidarity Cup | Champions | 2016 [7] |
| Bangabandhu Cup | Champions | 2016 [8] |
| SAFF Championship | Third Place | 1993, 1999 [6] |
| South Asian Games | Gold Medal | 1984, 1993, 2016, 2019 [9] |
The 2016 AFC Solidarity Cup triumph was particularly significant, being an official AFC tournament specifically designed for member associations that needed more international match practice. This victory demonstrated Nepal's capability to compete and succeed at an international level within its peer group. The South Asian Games football tournament, while typically contested by U23 teams with a limited number of senior players, also represents significant regional success for Nepal, highlighting their historical strength in this multi-sport event.
Notable players
Over the years, the Nepal national team has seen many talented individuals represent the Gorkhalis. These players have left an indelible mark on Nepalese football, both through their performances for the national team and their club careers.
- Hari Khadka: Considered one of Nepal's greatest strikers, Hari Khadka was a prolific goalscorer for the national team throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his clinical finishing and strong presence in the box, he remains one of Nepal's all-time leading goalscorers.
- Upendra Man Singh: A legendary goalkeeper, Upendra Man Singh was a stalwart for Nepal for many years. His commanding presence, excellent shot-stopping abilities, and leadership made him a vital figure between the posts.
- Bal Gopal Maharjan: An influential midfielder, Bal Gopal Maharjan was known for his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of games. He later transitioned into coaching, leading various Nepalese youth and senior teams.
- Anil Gurung: A forward who also captained the national team, Anil Gurung was one of the first Nepalese players to play professionally abroad, notably in India. His pace and goalscoring ability made him a key attacking threat for Nepal for over a decade.
- Rohit Chand: One of the most decorated Nepalese players of the modern era, Rohit Chand has achieved significant success playing in Indonesia, winning multiple league titles with Persija Jakarta. A versatile defensive midfielder, he is known for his work rate, tackling, and leadership, and has been a crucial player for the national team for many years. You can read more about his career here.
- Kiran Chemjong: Nepal's current national team captain and an accomplished goalkeeper, Kiran Chemjong holds the record for the most caps for Nepal. He has played professionally in India and the Maldives, showcasing his talent and consistency at a high level. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the current squad.
- Bimal Gharti Magar: A promising forward who emerged from youth ranks with significant potential, Bimal Gharti Magar has been a key attacking player for Nepal. He has had trials with European clubs and brings flair and goalscoring instinct to the team.
- Anjan Bista: Another key attacker in the current generation, Anjan Bista is known for his speed, dribbling, and ability to score crucial goals. He has been a consistent performer in recent years and is a vital component of Nepal's offensive strategy.
World Cup record
The Nepal national football team has consistently participated in the qualification campaigns for the FIFA World Cup but has yet to secure a place in the tournament's final stages. Their journey in World Cup qualifiers began relatively late compared to many other nations, reflecting the gradual development of football infrastructure and international exposure in the country.
Nepal first entered World Cup qualification for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico [5]. Since then, they have entered every subsequent qualification cycle, primarily competing in the AFC qualification rounds. These campaigns typically involve multiple stages, starting with preliminary rounds for lower-ranked teams to progress to group stages against more established Asian footballing nations. Nepal's best performances in these qualifiers have generally seen them advance beyond the initial preliminary rounds before being eliminated in the subsequent group stages.
For the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nepal commenced their qualification journey in the first round of the AFC qualifiers. They face significant challenges in progressing deep into the qualification structure, given the competitive landscape of Asian football. The objective for Nepal in these campaigns often extends beyond mere qualification; it includes gaining valuable international experience, improving their FIFA ranking, and providing exposure for their players against higher-caliber opposition. While a World Cup appearance remains an ambitious long-term goal, consistent participation in the qualification process is crucial for the continued development of Nepalese football [10].
Current head coach
As of May 2026, the head coach of the Nepal national football team is Vincenzo Alberto Annese. The Italian tactician assumed the role in March 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from coaching in various countries across Asia and Europe. Annese is known for his tactical flexibility and his emphasis on disciplined defensive structures combined with quick transitions in attack [11].
His tenure has seen a focus on integrating younger players into the squad while maintaining a core of experienced individuals like Kiran Chemjong and Rohit Chand. Key results under Annese include competitive performances in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the SAFF Championship. He aims to elevate Nepal's standing in Asian football by fostering a more professional approach and improving the overall technical and tactical understanding among his players. His strategies often involve adapting to the strengths of the opposition while instilling a strong work ethic within the team. Annese's leadership is critical as Nepal continues its campaigns in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and prepares for future regional tournaments like the SAFF Championship.