India is aiming to inject vitality into its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey as it prepares to take on a revitalized Afghanistan in a Group A second-round match. The showdown is set to unfold at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday.
The festive atmosphere of Holi offered the ideal setting for the Indian team to recommit themselves to achieving a better outcome. This comes after their lackluster goalless draw against the same opponent during their recent match in the makeshift home ground located in the Saudi Arabian city of Abha, just four days prior.
This match holds significant importance for India as they aim to progress to the next stage (round three) of the World Cup qualifiers. It serves as a crucial step towards qualifying for the final stage of the 2027 Asian Cup, marking their potential debut at this level.
Indian head coach Igor Stimac has made it clear that he will step down from his position if the country fails to advance in the qualification process. Stimac, contracted as the Indian head coach until 2026, remains confident that the team has the potential to progress to the next stage.
A victory against Afghanistan on home soil would solidify India’s position in second place in the group standings, where they currently reside after three rounds with four points. In the ongoing second-round matches, two teams will advance from each group.
India started its campaign with a promising victory, defeating a strong Kuwait 1-0 away on November 16, 2023. However, they suffered a setback with a 0-3 loss to the current group leader and Asian Champion Qatar on November 21 in Bhubaneswar, before earning another point against Afghanistan in their second away game at Abha.
Sunil Chhetri, set to earn his historic 150th cap for India, expressed his desire for the team to make the occasion memorable with a victory over Afghanistan.
