Maldives vs Afghanistan Live Score, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview
Maldives vs Afghanistan gives us an important South Asian football test on Monday, June 1, 2026. The match starts at 16:00 UTC, which is 9:00 PM in the Maldives and 8:30 PM in Afghanistan. It opens the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament in Malé, a four-team event running from June 1 to June 10.
Maldives enter as hosts, while Afghanistan arrive slightly higher in the FIFA men’s ranking at 169th. The Maldives sit 173rd, so this matchup looks close on paper. We expect a compact game, with both sides using it to prepare for upcoming regional fixtures.
Maldives vs Afghanistan Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Maldives vs Afghanistan |
| Date | June 1, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 16:00 UTC |
| Maldives Time | 9:00 PM MVT |
| Afghanistan Time | 8:30 PM AFT |
| Competition | Diamond Jubilee International Tournament |
| Venue | National Football Stadium, Malé |
| FIFA Ranking | Afghanistan 169th, Maldives 173rd |
This tournament matters because it celebrates 75 years of Maldivian football. The Maldives also need momentum after beating Timor-Leste 2-1 on March 31, 2026. That win came through late goals from Mohamed Irufaan and Ali Fasir.
Maldives vs Afghanistan Team News
Maldives could stay close to the setup used against Timor-Leste. Mohamed Faisal should start in goal, with Samooh Ali and Mohamed Irufaan central in defense. Ibrahim Mahudhee, Ibrahim Aisam, and Naiz Hassan give the hosts an attacking balance.
Afghanistan has not confirmed its official XI yet. However, they should lean on a disciplined midfield and quick wide play. Their ranking edge is small, but their physical profile may help in transitions.
Predicted Maldives XI: Mohamed Faisal; Ahmed Aiham, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Haisham Hassan; Ibrahim Waheed, Ahmad Abdulla; Ibrahim Mahudhee, Ahmed Aiham, Ibrahim Aisam; Naiz Hassan.
Predicted Afghanistan XI: Official lineup not confirmed yet.
Maldives vs Afghanistan Prediction
Maldives bring home advantage, tournament emotion, and a recent 2-1 win into this fixture. Afghanistan brings a slightly better FIFA ranking and strong motivation in their tournament opener. The key battle should come in midfield, where second balls and set pieces may decide momentum.
We expect Maldives vs Afghanistan to stay tight through the first half. The Maldives will likely defend deeper, while Afghanistan may push for early control. A 1-1 draw looks realistic if both sides rotate carefully.
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