The Indian football team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and expectations are at an all-time high. The Blue Tigers will begin their campaign against Kuwait on November 16. They will then face Qatar at the Kalinga Stadium on November 21. While the telecast details for the Kuwait clash is yet to be decided, India’s World Cup qualifier livestreaming for the home game against Qatar will be on Sports18.
After being drawn alongside Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, India has a chance to qualify for Round 3 of the qualifiers. But that is if they finish in the top two in their group. Igor Stimac and his team have surely played against all three opponents in the group. As a result, it will be advantageous when they meet up against them.
Despite an 11-game undefeated record this year, India is now on a losing skid. They lost successive games in the King’s Cup to Iraq and Lebanon, as well as a 4-2 setback to Malaysia in the Merdeka Tournament.
For the forthcoming encounter, Stimac has already chosen a 28-man likely squad. The players are now practising in Dubai before travelling to Kuwait. While the roster remains well-balanced, the loss of two crucial players, Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh, will be noticeable. Their absence was clearly noticeable in the 4-2 loss against Malaysia.
With the Blue Tigers facing tough opponents in the coming month, it will be an intriguing affair as Stimac modifies his system and approach in the absence of his two crucial players.
The Blue Tigers have shown constant development over the last year, which has fueled fan enthusiasm.Furthermore, head coach Igor Stimac’s contract extension will provide further stability to the national team, which is critical considering the big games on the horizon in the next year.
Indian Football Team squad against Kuwait, Qatar:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins, Apuia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rohit Kumar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh.
Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul KP, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.
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