The upcoming Asian Cup qualifier between Hong Kong and India at the Kai Tak Stadium has officially sold out, signaling a momentous occasion for Hong Kong football. The match, scheduled for June 10, 2025, will not only be a crucial step in both teams' quest to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia but will also mark the inaugural football match at the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium.

While the Football Association of Hong Kong China has not released the official attendance figure, a representative confirmed that the crowd would be "slightly fewer" than the stadium's full 50,000-seat capacity. This near sell-out represents a dramatic turnaround in fan engagement, especially considering the comparatively low attendance of 6,092 at Hong Kong's recent friendly match against Nepal at Hong Kong Stadium. The initial plan was to only partially open the stadium due to reservations about demand, but strong early ticket sales prompted officials to make more tickets available. The affordable pricing, with tickets going for HK$80 (US$10) and HK$200, further incentivized fans to attend.

A sold-out Kai Tak Stadium signifies more than just a well-attended football match. It represents a potential revival of Hong Kong's sporting spirit and a chance to break a 30-year-old attendance record. The current record was set in January 1995 when over 40,000 fans reportedly packed into Hong Kong Stadium to watch Hong Kong face Yugoslavia.

The Kai Tak Sports Park, costing HK$30 billion, is built on the site of the former Kai Tak Airport and boasts a retractable roof and a flexible pitch system, allowing it to host a variety of sports and entertainment events.

Both Hong Kong and India are eager to secure their first win in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Both teams had 0-0 draws in their opening matches, Hong Kong against Singapore and India against Bangladesh. The stakes are high, as only the winner of the four-team group, which also includes Singapore and Bangladesh, will automatically qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

This will be the 25th meeting between India and Hong Kong since their first encounter in 1951. India holds a slight lead in the head-to-head record with nine wins to Hong Kong's eight, with seven draws. However, India has only won once on Hong Kong soil, a 2-1 friendly victory in 1957. The most recent match was a 4-0 victory for India in the 2022 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Hong Kong is coached by Ashley Westwood, who is very familiar with Indian football, having coached Bengaluru FC, ATK, and RoundGlass Punjab FC. Under Westwood, Hong Kong has shown improvement, losing only one of their last 12 matches. Lallianzuala Chhangte of the Indian team acknowledged the challenge posed by Hong Kong, recognizing their strong defensive setup and counter-attacking abilities.

To manage the expected crowds, the Transport Department has announced special traffic and transport measures and encourages attendees to use public transportation. The MTR will increase train frequency on the Tuen Ma Line, and special bus routes will be available after the match. Security checks will begin at 5:30 PM, and attendees are advised that water bottles are prohibited inside the stadium.