Bangladesh are daring to dream again. After a 47-year wait, the Men in Red and Green are chasing a long-awaited return to the Asian Cup finals — a feat they last achieved in 1980. And with a crop of overseas-based players, including the high-profile addition of Hamza Choudhury, hopes are running higher than ever that 2027 could mark their triumphant return.
But the path ahead is anything but straightforward. Bangladesh must top their group in the third round of qualifying to earn a place at the continental showpiece, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
On paper, it’s a tough ask. Bangladesh, currently ranked 183rd in the FIFA rankings, are grouped with three nations ahead of them — India (127), Hong Kong (153), and Singapore (161). However, rankings don’t always tell the full story. In March, Bangladesh held India, then ranked 126th, to a goalless draw despite being 59 places behind, a result that saw Bangladesh move up two spots in the global rankings.
So, what exactly needs to happen for Bangladesh to reach the 2027 Asian Cup? Here’s how the qualification process is structured:
The Asian Cup Qualification System
Saudi Arabia, as hosts, are automatically through to the final tournament. The remaining 23 places are filled through qualification. Eighteen of those spots have already been secured through a joint qualification system that also served as the first two rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The top 26 teams in Asia (based on FIFA rankings) were granted direct entry into Round 2 of qualification. Bangladesh, ranked outside that group, had to go through a two-legged play-off in Round 1, joining 26 others in Round 2 after overcoming the Maldives.
In Round 2, 36 teams were divided into nine groups. The top two from each group — 18 teams in total — advanced to Round 3 of World Cup qualifying and simultaneously secured their place in the Asian Cup finals.
For those who didn’t make the cut — including Bangladesh — a final opportunity remains via a separate third qualifying round for the Asian Cup. This round features 24 teams: the third- and fourth-placed sides from each Round 2 group, joined by six others. Three of those six qualified directly based on ranking, while the remaining three came through additional play-offs.
These 24 teams are split into six groups of four. Only the group winners will punch their tickets to the 2027 finals.
Bangladesh’s Road So Far
Round 1: Play-Off
Opponent: Maldives
- 12 October 2023 – First Leg (Malé): 1–1 draw
- 17 October 2023 – Second Leg (Dhaka): Bangladesh won 2–1
Aggregate: Bangladesh 3–2 Maldives
Round 2: Group I
Opponents: Australia, Lebanon, Palestine
Bangladesh finished bottom of the group with just one point from six matches.
Results:
- 16 Nov 2023 – Australia (A): Lost 0–7
- 21 Nov 2023 – Lebanon (H): Drew 1–1
- 21 Mar 2024 – Palestine (A): Lost 0–5
- 26 Mar 2024 – Palestine (H): Lost 0–1
- 6 Jun 2024 – Australia (H): Lost 0–2
- 11 Jun 2024 – Lebanon (N, Qatar): Lost 0–4
Third Round: Group C
Now in the third and final round of Asian Cup qualifying, Bangladesh are in Group C alongside India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Each team has played one match so far, with both fixtures ending in goalless draws, leaving the group evenly poised with all teams level on one point and goal difference.
Remaining Fixtures for Bangladesh
- 10 June 2025 – vs Singapore (H, Dhaka)
- 9 October 2025 – vs Hong Kong (H, Dhaka)
- 14 October 2025 – vs Hong Kong (A, Hong Kong)
- 18 November 2025 – vs India (H, Dhaka)
- 31 March 2026 – vs Singapore (A, Singapore)
For Bangladesh, the equation is simple: top the group, and history will be made. While the odds remain steep, recent performances and the injection of talent from the diaspora mean the dream is alive — and very real.
The road to Saudi Arabia 2027 is long, but for Bangladesh, the dream is worth every step.