Igor Stimac, head coach of the Indian Football Team, intends to lead the under-24 squad to Thailand for the King’s Cup next month. It is to ensure that they have played enough matches before the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. The Croatian has called upon FSDL to make an early release of players from their club for the same.
“In the next few days, it’s really important to quickly finalise the 22-member squad. If the clubs give us an early confirmation (on the release of players), it will be good. Once we send the list, it cannot be changed,” said Stimac.
Blues boss Igor Stimac URGES preparation for Asian Games, World Cup Qualifiers
The sports ministry has authorised India’s men’s and women’s football teams for the Asian Games. After being paired alongside hosts China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, Stimac has a chance to prove his supporters correct. Two of the three opponents are ranked lower than India, which has had recent success against them.
With two clubs automatically qualifying for the knockout rounds (last-16), Stimac says it is the bare minimum. However, the amount of time they have to prepare for the continental competition will determine their advancement. Under-24 players (born on or after 1.1.1999) and three seniors are permitted in the Asian Games.
“We are confident about our strength and capacities, now it’s only a question of the time we will get to prepare. Our primary aim is to qualify for the last-16 and from there, it’s a knock-out.” Stimac told TOI. “In the next few days, we will have several meetings with FSDL to discuss the full calendar and see how we can come to an agreement.”
The team is expected to gather in early September for the King’s Cup in Thailand. Team will remain together till the completion of their Asian Games campaign.
India set to face Qatar, Kuwait in Group A of AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
On paper, the women’s group offers a stiffer challenge, with both Chinese Taipei (global rank 37) and Thailand (44) ranking higher than India (60). Each group’s top team, as well as the three best second-placed teams, will proceed to the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, India has learned who their opponents would be for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The group is completed by Asian champions Qatar, powerful Kuwait, and the winners of the Afghanistan-Mongolia playoff.
“It’s a tough group. I am not disappointed to have Qatar since we played them twice (in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers). We know their strengths, and weakness, and can find a way to play them. We played Kuwait twice, both on home soil. Now it won’t be the same. We are better than both Afghanistan and Mongolia. But there is plenty of work ahead of us,” said Stimac.
India will begin their World Cup Qualifiers journey on November 16th. They will kick off the first game against Kuwait.
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