World Cup qualifiers

India's Rollercoaster Journey in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers! Can they Make it to 2026?

India faces setbacks and surprises in the qualifiers! Will they bounce back and secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

India's journey in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers has been a rollercoaster ride. Despite a 2-1 loss to Afghanistan, India is second after three matches, keeping their hopes alive for the next round and a chance at the AFC Asian Cup. Sunil Chhetri's milestone goal added excitement, but Afghanistan's shock victory dealt a blow to India's aspirations. The match between India and Afghanistan at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati kept football fans on the edge of their seats.

In a dramatic turn of events, Sunil Chhetri's penalty in his 150th appearance gave India the lead, only for Rahmat Akbari to equalize, leaving fans in suspense. Afghanistan's underdog victory over India, despite their lower rank, stunned the football world. Coach Igor Stimac remains optimistic, believing that India can still progress to the next round of the qualifiers.

Despite the setback, Chhetri's remarkable achievement in his 150th game highlights his enduring contribution to Indian football. The intense match showcased the unpredictable nature of sports, keeping fans hooked till the last minute. As India navigates the challenges in the qualifiers, the team's resilience and determination will be tested on their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.