Nepal national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | The Gorkhalis | ||
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Association | All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) | ||
Confederation | AFC (Asia) | ||
Sub-confederation | SAFF (South Asia) | ||
Head coach | Matt Ross | ||
Captain | Kiran Chemjong | ||
Most caps | Kiran Chemjong (107) | ||
Top scorer | Ganesh Thapa (14) | ||
Home stadium | Dasharath Stadium | ||
FIFA code | NEP | ||
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FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 161 ![]() |
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Highest | 124 (December 1993 – February 1994) | ||
Lowest | 196 (January 2016) | ||
Elo ranking | |||
Current | 201 ![]() |
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Highest | 168 (23 November 1987) | ||
Lowest | 210 (1 May 1999) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Beijing, China; 13 October 1972) |
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Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Kathmandu, Nepal; 26 September 1999) |
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Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Incheon, South Korea; 29 September 2003) |
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SAFF Championship | |||
Appearances | 13 (first in 1993) | ||
Best result | Runners-up (2021) | ||
AFC Solidarity Cup | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2016) | ||
Best result | Champions (2016) | ||
AFC Challenge Cup | |||
Appearances | 3 (first in 2006) | ||
Best result | Semi-finals (2006) |
The Nepal national football team represents Nepal in international men's football. The team is managed by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). They are part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The Nepali team plays its home games at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.
Contents
Team History
Early Days of Nepali Football (1921–1993)
Football became a popular sport in Nepal as early as 1921. Many clubs were formed. Tournaments like the Ram Janaki Cup (1934) and the Tribhuvan Challenge Shield (1948) were held. In 1951, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was created. This led to the formation of the Nepal national football team.
First International Matches (1963–1970)
In 1963, Nepal played its first international away game. This was in the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Dhaka, which is now Bangladesh. Nepal lost its first two matches 0–7. But in their final game, Nepal won 1–0 against Dhaka Police Club. Prakash Bikram Shah scored Nepal's first goal on foreign soil.
Joining FIFA and Early Success (1970–1999)
Nepal joined FIFA in 1970 and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1972. Their first official international match was on October 13, 1972. They lost 2–6 to China. Y.B Ghale scored Nepal's first goal in a FIFA-recognized tournament in 1982.
FIFA helped Nepal's football grow by providing money and coaches. This led to a youth program to find young talented players. Many players from this program joined the national team. Nepal won two gold medals in the South Asian Games in 1984 and 1993. They also won the Governor's Gold Cup in 1997 and 1998. In 1993, they finished third in the first SAFF Championship.
Challenges and Comeback (2000–Present)
From 2001 to 2003, Nepal's football faced problems within its association. This led to a ban, meaning Nepal could not play in some events. This caused their world ranking to drop. In January 2003, Nepal played its 100th international match against Bangladesh.
In 2003, Nepal had some very tough losses in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. They lost one match 0–16 to South Korea. However, in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nepal showed great spirit. They won two matches against Macao and Iraq, scoring 13 goals.
After 2010, Nepal's football started to improve. They won three major tournaments in 2016: the Bangabandhu Cup, the AFC Solidarity Cup, and a gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games. Nepal did not lose any matches in 2016.
In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification, Nepal had two draws against stronger teams, Philippines and Yemen. However, they did not qualify for the main tournament. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Nepal won one game against Chinese Taipei.
Nepal reached the final of the 2021 SAFF Championship, but lost 0–3 to India. In October 2023, Nepal won against Laos in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification first round. This win helped them move to the second round. However, in March 2024, Nepal lost to Bahrain, which meant they could not go further in the World Cup qualifiers.
Home Ground
The main home stadium for the Nepal national team is Dasarath Rangasala Stadium. It is a large stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. It can hold 15,000 fans. It is the biggest stadium in Nepal. The stadium is named after Dashrath Chand, a national hero.
The stadium has hosted important events like the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup and the 2013 SAFF Championship. It is also used for music concerts. Before the 2013 SAFF Championship, the stadium was improved. Its seating capacity was increased. Nepal also has other stadiums, like the Pokhara football stadium, built in 2021.
Team Kits
The national team's uniform uses the colors red, blue, and white. These colors are from the national flag of Nepal. Red is usually for home games, and blue is for away games. Some kits even have patterns that look like the triangular shape of the Nepali flag.
Nepal's kits are often standard designs. This is because the team is not big enough to have special deals with kit makers. In 2019, ANFA showed two new jerseys with the ANFA logo and a picture of Mount Everest. In 2021, KTM CTY became the new kit sponsor.
Kit Suppliers
Kit Provider | Period |
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1987–1993 |
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1993–1997 |
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1997–1998 |
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1998–2000 |
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2000–2001 |
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2001–2004 |
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2004–2005 |
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2005–2018 |
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2018–2021 |
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2021–2024 |
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2024–present |
Nepal Red & Nepal Blue Teams
Sometimes, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) would enter two teams for Nepal in the ANFA Cup. These were called Nepal Red and Nepal Blue. Nepal Red was the main national team, with the best players. Nepal Blue was like a second team.
Recent Matches
Here are the results from the last year and upcoming matches. Win Draw Loss Fixture
2025 Matches
21 March Friendly | Singapore ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Kallang, Singapore |
20:30 UTC+8 | Stadium: National Stadium Referee: Yusuke Ohashi (Japan) |
25 March 2027 ACQ R3 | Malaysia ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Johor, Malaysia |
22:00 UTC+8 |
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Stadium: Sultan Ibrahim Stadium Attendance: 7,895 Referee: Hiroki Kasahara (Japan) |
5 June Friendly | Hong Kong ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Kowloon, Hong Kong |
20:00 UTC+8 | Stadium: Hong Kong Stadium Attendance: 6,092 Referee: Wiwat Jumpaoon (Thailand) |
10 June 2027 ACQ R3 | Laos ![]() |
2–1 | ![]() |
Vientiane, Laos |
19:00 UTC+7 |
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Stadium: New Laos National Stadium Attendance: 5,123 Referee: Nivon Robesh (Sri Lanka) |
6 September Friendly | Nepal ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala |
9 September Friendly | Nepal ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala |
9 October 2027 ACQ R3 | Vietnam ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
--:-- UTC+7 | Stadium: Gò Đậu Stadium |
18 November 2027 ACQ R3 | Nepal ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Kathmandu, Nepal |
--:-- UTC+5:45 | Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala |
2026 Matches
Coaching Staff
As of 20 March 2025
Players
Current Squad
The following 23 players were chosen for matches against Hong Kong and Laos.
Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of March 25, 2025, after the game against Hong Kong.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Bishal Sunar | 9 February 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | GK | Kiran Chemjong (captain) | 20 March 1990 | 107 | 0 | Free Agent |
22 | GK | Deep Karki | 9 January 1998 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Sanish Shrestha | 9 November 2000 | 22 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Suman Shrestha | 5 September 1999 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Ananta Tamang | 17 January 1998 | 67 | 4 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Bimal Panday | 21 January 1990 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
12 | DF | Sumit Shrestha | 30 January 2004 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | DF | Abishek Limbu | 21 August 1999 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | DF | Rohit Chand | 1 March 1992 | 97 | 1 | ![]() |
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6 | MF | Yogesh Gurung | 17 March 2002 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
8 | MF | Arik Bista | 17 March 2000 | 29 | 0 | ![]() |
9 | MF | Rohan Karki | 21 September 2002 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Laken Limbu | 24 July 2002 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | MF | Kritish Ratna Chhunju | 11 April 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | MF | Kushal Deuba | 10 November 2006 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | MF | Ayush Ghalan | 21 February 2004 | 31 | 2 | ![]() |
20 | MF | Mani Kumar Lama | 24 March 1996 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | MF | Manish Dangi | 17 September 2001 | 38 | 4 | ![]() |
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7 | FW | Gillespye Jung Karki | 19 November 1998 | 15 | 3 | ![]() |
11 | FW | Subash Bam Thakuri | 5 September 2008 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | FW | Anjan Bista | 15 May 1998 | 70 | 13 | ![]() |
27 | FW | Spandan Nepal | 19 September 2010 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
Recent Call-ups
- These players have been called up to a Nepal squad in the last 12 months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Abishek Baral | 9 April 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Anjal Shrestha | 1 December 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Randip Paudel | 6 October 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Anjan Rai | 15 December 1994 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Chhiring Lama | 7 April 2002 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Ashok Khawas | 14 March 1996 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Aashish Gurung | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Abhishek Waiba | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Anjal Maharjan | 2 February 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Saubhagya Rai | 23 June 1997 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Bishal Basnet | 29 April 2002 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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MF | Bharat Khawas | 22 July 1991 | 64 | 10 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Utsav Rai | 29 November 2003 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Arbind Rai | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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MF | Basnat Jimba | 20 June 2000 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Aashish Rai | 24 February 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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FW | Hisub Thapaliya | 16 January 1999 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Sanjeeb Bista | 17 February 2002 | 4 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Aashik Babu Chaudhary | 26 February 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Rejin Subba | 5 February 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Dinesh Henjan | 3 February 2001 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Samir Tamang | 1 January 2006 | 1 | 0 | Free agent | v. ![]() |
FW | Nirajan Dhami | 2 June 2005 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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Player Records
Players in bold are still active with Nepal.
Most Games Played
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
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1 | Kiran Chemjong | 107 | 0 | 2008–present |
2 | Rohit Chand | 97 | 1 | 2009–present |
3 | Raju Kaji Shakya | 91 | 0 | 1982–1997 |
4 | Biraj Maharjan | 76 | 1 | 2008–2021 |
5 | Anjan Bista | 70 | 13 | 2014–present |
6 | Sagar Thapa | 66 | 1 | 2003–2015 |
Ananta Tamang | 67 | 4 | 2015–present | |
7 | Bharat Khawas | 64 | 10 | 2008–present |
8 | Nawayug Shrestha | 54 | 10 | 2015–present |
9 | Anil Gurung | 53 | 10 | 2007–2017 |
Ju Manu Rai | 53 | 11 | 2006–2015 | |
Sandip Rai | 53 | 4 | 2008–2015 |
Top Goal Scorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
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1 | Ganesh Thapa | 14 | 36 | 0.39 | 1979–1989 |
2 | Nirajan Rayamajhi | 13 | 21 | 0.62 | 2000–2008 |
Hari Khadka | 13 | 39 | 0.33 | 1995–2006 | |
Anjan Bista | 13 | 70 | 0.19 | 2014–present | |
5 | Ju Manu Rai | 11 | 53 | 0.21 | 2006–2015 |
6 | Anil Gurung | 10 | 53 | 0.19 | 2007–2017 |
Nawayug Shrestha | 10 | 54 | 0.19 | 2015–present | |
Bharat Khawas | 10 | 64 | 0.16 | 2008–present | |
9 | Bimal Gharti Magar | 9 | 44 | 0.2 | 2012–present |
10 | Basanta Thapa | 8 | 34 | 0.24 | 1998–2006 |
Team Achievements
Champion Runners-up Third place Fourth place
Continental Titles
Regional Titles
- South Asian Games
- SAFF Championship
Friendly Tournament Wins
- ANFA Cup (2): 1987, 2009
- Governor's Gold Cup (2): 1997, 1998
- Bangabandhu Cup (1): 2016
- Three Nations Cup (1): 2021
- Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup (1): 2023
Awards
- SAFF Championship Fair Play Award (2): 2013, 2023
Summary of Official Honours
These are the official titles recognized by FIFA or its related football groups.
Senior Competition | ![]() |
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Total |
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AFC Solidarity Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Nepal para niños
- All Nepal Football Association
- Nepal national under-23 football team
- Nepal women's national football team