Adequate preparations make a good chance for India to qualify for the World Cup 2026.
The excitement in the Indian football community reached a fever pitch as the draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers took place, revealing India’s fate in Group A alongside powerhouse Qatar, Kuwait, and rising contenders Afghanistan or Mongolia. As football fans across the nation eagerly anticipate the qualifying matches, the question on everyone’s minds is whether India can secure a coveted spot in the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
A Formidable Challenge
Drawn into Group A, India finds itself in a challenging situation, with Qatar standing as one of the toughest competitors in Asian football. Qatar has invested heavily in its football infrastructure and development programs, which has significantly elevated its performance on the international stage. Kuwait, another team in the group, also poses a significant challenge with a rich footballing history in the region.
“India has a good chance to qualify (for the World Cup)
-Lalrindika Ralte
The inclusion of either Afghanistan or Mongolia further adds an element of unpredictability to the group. Afghanistan has been steadily improving its football program and has shown impressive performances. While Mongolia, though a relative underdog, can never be underestimated in the world of football.
India’s Road to Qualification
For India, securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a dream for decades. The team has shown steady progress in recent years. This has come with notable improvements in both domestic football infrastructure and the national team’s performance. However, the path to qualification won’t be easy.
Starting from Pot 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, India, ranked 99th in the FIFA Rankings, will play with Qatar (59th), Kuwait (137th) as well as the winners of the match between Afghanistan (157th), Mongolia (183rd) in a double round-robin format on a home-and-away basis.
Considering all these aspects, even if India were to make it beyond Preliminary Round 2 they would still need to get beyond the third, fourth, and fifth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.
Thus these rounds will see the best teams in Asia competing, including the top 10 sides from the continent. Hence India’s chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is slim at the very best.
Consequently led by legend Sunil Chhetri, India enjoyed a series of good performances including an 11-game unbeaten streak. They also secured three trophies including the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship.
“There is a different mood in Indian football now due to the performance the team gave in recent tournaments. The victory in the SAFF Championship is a huge achievement,”
– Former Indian Captain Amalraj
India’s coaches and players have expressed confidence in their abilities, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, teamwork, and rigorous preparation. In their quest for World Cup qualification, the squad’s blend of experienced players and emerging talents is expected to be a crucial factor.
The Role of Development Programs
The draw has sparked discussions about the importance of robust football development programs within the country. Grassroots initiatives, youth academies, and professional leagues are considered essential to nurturing talent from a young age. Hence providing a solid foundation for the national team.
Experts in the Indian football community are optimistic that continued investments in these programs, coupled with the passion of football fans nationwide, could propel the country towards its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
“If the Government can change the PIO regulations, we can get 7-8 Indian-origin players playing abroad and that would change the result drastically”
– Igor Stimac
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also expressed its commitment to providing the team with the necessary resource. They will also support to maximize their chances of qualification.
India faces numerous challenges on its path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although hope, determination, and a growing sense of unity among football enthusiasts across the nation also mark it. As the qualifiers draw nearer, all eyes will be on the Indian national team. They strive to make history and secure a spot among the world’s footballing elite.
