2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers | Determined India up towards a rejuvenated Afghanistan

Moving into rhythm: The Indian gamers undergo their drill in Guwahati on Monday.
| Picture Credit score: RITU RAJ KONAWR

India sought to infuse vibrant hues to its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification marketing campaign the place it faces a rejuvenated Afghanistan in a second-round match of Group A, on the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, right here on Tuesday.

The Holi celebrations supplied the right atmosphere for the Indian squad to resume its guarantees for a greater outcome after having performed out a colorless goalless draw towards the identical opponent whereas visiting its makeshift residence in Saudi Arabian metropolis of Abha barely 4 days in the past.

The match right here assumes significance for India which is seeking to make it to the subsequent stage (spherical three) of the World Cup qualifiers — which additionally doubles up because the qualification spherical for the ultimate stage of the 2027 Asian Cup — for the primary time.

Indian head coach Igor Stimac has asserted that he can be quitting his publish if the nation fails to progress within the qualification course of. Stimac, who has a contract because the Indian head coach until 2026, believes that the crew can advance to the subsequent stage if it delivers to its potential.

A win towards Afghanistan at residence will consolidate India’s place within the second spot the place it presently lies after three rounds with 4 factors in its kitty. Two groups will progress from every group within the present second spherical engagements.

India started its marketing campaign with a variety of promise because it beat a powerful Kuwait 1-0 away on Nov. 16, 2023. It misplaced to the present group chief and Asian Champion Qatar 0-3 (on Nov. 21, Bhubaneswar) earlier than choosing up one other level towards Afghanistan in its second away recreation at Abha.

Chhetri, who might be incomes a historic a hundred and fiftieth cap in India colors, wished that his crew makes it memorable with a win towards Afghanistan.