The hosts began their qualifying campaign with a memorable 1-0 victory away to Kuwait on Thursday, while the Maroons thrashed Afghanistan 8-1 in their opening Group A-fixture.
Follow Us
India will be bidding make it two wins in a row in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier when they play host to Qatar in a Group A fixture at Kalinga Stadium in Odisha on Tuesday. The hosts began their qualifying campaign with a memorable 1-0 victory away to Kuwait on Thursday, while the Maroons thrashed Afghanistan 8-1 last time out. After the first round of games, the visitors are sitting at the summit of the table with three points to their name, level on points with second-placed Blue Tigers, but separated by goal-difference.
🔥 𝗚𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗨𝗧! 💯
The final session before #INDQAT 🏃♂️#FIFAWorldCup 🏆 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/RRj3ZKeWr0
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 20, 2023
India went to Kuwait four days ago as underdogs but Igor Stimac’s men produced a solid performance to earn three points on the road. The first half was a cautious affair, concluding without any goals. But the Blue Tigers elevated their intensity in the second-half and broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time. Manvir Singh slotted home from substitute Lallianzuala Chhangte’s assist to help India secure a crucial victory at Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium. Head coach Stimac is unlikely to make too many changes to the playing eleven that started against the the Blues. 39-year-old Sunil Chhetri would once again lead the side, while last game’s goal-scorer Manvir is nursing a slight niggle and his availability for Tuesday’s fixture is not confirmed.
Qatar, on the other hand, are firm favourites to top the group and their opening round victory over Afghanistan was a testament to the quality in their ranks. Four goals from Almorz Ali and one goal each from Hassan Al-Haydos, Mustafa Tarek Mashal, Ahmed Alaeldin and Tameem Al-Abdoullah helped the 2022 World Cup hosts secure all three points against the Lions of Khorasan. Qatar are currently occupying 51st spot in the FIFA World Rankings, 54 places above the Blue Tigers, who are the second best ranked side in the group. Meanwhile, the Maroons have never lost to India in their last five encounters, recording four wins in the process.
Probable Lineups
India probable starting lineup: Sandhu, Jhinghan, Bheke, Mishra, Suresh, Apuia, Sahal, Mahesh, Chhangte, Chhetri
Qatar probable starting lineup: Barsham, Miguel, Aymen, khouki, Elamin, Meshaal, Al-Rawi, Al-Abdullah, Al Haidos, Akram Afif, Almorez Ali.
India
| Opponents | Score |
| Kuwait | 0-1 (W) |
| Malaysia | 4-2 (L) |
| Lebanon | 1-0 (L) |
| Iraq | 3-2 (L) |
| Kuwait | 1-2 (W) |
Qatar
| Opponents | Score |
| Afghanistan | 8-1 (W) |
| Iran | 0-4 (L) |
| Iraq | 0-1 (W) |
| Russia | 1-1 (D) |
| Kenya | 1-2 (L) |
| Last 5 match-results | Score |
| Qatar beat India | 0-1 |
| Qatar draw India | 0-0 |
| Qatar beat India | 1-2 |
| Qatar beat India | 5-0 |
| Qatar beat India | 6-0 |
The FIFA World Cup qualifier between India and Qatar will take place at Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday at 7:00 pm IST.
| India vs Qatar | Key Details |
| Date | November 21 |
| Venue | Kalinga Stadium |
| Kickoff time in India | 7:00 pm |
| Kickoff time in Qatar | 4:30 pm |
The live telecast of the World Cup qualifier between India and Qatar will be available on Sports 18 and Sony Sports network in India. Besides, football fans in India can also live stream the match through Jio Cinema. Meanwhile, those in Qatar can watch the match via Alkass One.
More football news:
