KATHMANDU, March 1 -- The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Nepal and Bahrain will not be held at the Dasharath Stadium as the one and only international stadium of Nepal does not meet the required standards to host international tournaments, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a letter written to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

The AFC has also barred Nepal from hosting the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027 citing the same reason even though the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), the world football governing body, had earlier granted permission to Nepal to host the two events.

After receiving a letter from the AFC expressing concerns about the suitability of Dasharath Stadium for intern...