In an eagerly awaited draw at the AFC house in Kuala Lumpur, the India men’s football team has been drawn into Group A for the AFC qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This group includes formidable opponents like 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and Kuwait. The qualification first-round winner between Afghanistan and Mongolia will also join this group, making it a competitive lineup.
A total of 36 teams will be participating in the AFC second-round qualifiers, divided into nine groups of four, playing in a home and away format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the AFC qualifiers third round and secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Meanwhile, the remaining teams will move on to the third round of the Asian Cup qualification.
India’s inclusion in Pot 2 for the AFC qualification is a testament to their recent successes at the SAFF Championship, Intercontinental Cup, and the tri-nation football tournament. This places them in a strong position to compete against tough oppositions and strive for World Cup qualification.
In addition to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, both the India men’s and women’s football teams have received permission to participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The Indian men’s team has been drawn in Group A alongside China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, while the women’s team will compete in Group B alongside Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be an exciting and challenging journey for the Indian men’s team, as they aim to secure their spot on the global stage and continue to make strides in international football.
