As the Indian Football Team gears to take the stage in the upcoming World Cup 2026 Qualifiers- all eyes will be on India’s captain Sunil Chhetri. Trailing just the world’s greatest footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the list of most goals scored by an active player, Chhetri shoulders the hopes of an entire nation. The captain who has delivered for India when it needed the most, has one wish. It is to see his country at the FIFA World Cup.
“When that happens, the country will go mad. As an Indian, it’s going to be one of the best days of my life. I have so many dreams about that day. It is going to be humongous.‘ said Chhetri to FIFA as they spoke about the most anticipated yet far-fetched day.
“The anticipation, the hope that it will bring to the complete nation is something I will never forget in my life. There are so many people like me who can’t wait to see that day, and I just hope it comes soon for us.”
The first step on that path comes in round two of AFC qualification, with India placed in Group A. They will face 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, who defeated Mongolia in round one over two legs.
The Blue Tigers must finish in the top two of their four-team area to advance to the third round. Six of the AFC’s eight direct qualifying slots will be decided on this day. The first of six games will be an away match against Kuwait on November 16.
Chettri made his international debut in 2005 and currently captains both his country and Bengaluru FC. His professional career is currently in its 21st year, and he has played for several of India’s top teams. Along with spells with the Kansas City Wizards in the United States and Sporting CP in Portugal.
When the FIFA World Cup 2o26 kicks off in June 2026, he will be less than two months shy of his 42nd birthday. Chettri, on the other hand, is pragmatic enough to recognise that competing in the global finale may be beyond him. While the uncertainty about who would come after him persists, it does not dampen his passion or desire to see India qualify.
“When I dream, I dream more as an Indian, more as a fan. Me being there in any capacity, it doesn’t matter, because I know I’ll be a fan. I’ll be watching every game that India plays and rooting for my country.” said Chhetri.
“Because I’m 39, I don’t have long-term targets as far as me being on the pitch is concerned. I think about the next three months, and then the next three months, and then we see how it goes.” he added.
Where does Sunil Chhetri rank among all-time international goalscorer’s list?
While the rest of the country frets about it, the extremely fit and ageing like wine Sunil Chhetri swears he has no plans to retire.
“Right now, I feel really good physically. I can see that I do contribute to the team, both for my country and my club. As long as I’m enjoying it, I will be here. I don’t know how many days, how many months, how many years that will be. The day I stop enjoying, and the day I can’t contribute, I will be done.”
“I’m just happy that I’m here. This is the bonus period, I’m just enjoying it, I don’t know when it’s going to end. I just want to enjoy it.” Sunil Chhetri concluded.
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