Following a triumphant 1-0 win over Kuwait, India’s national football team, the Blue Tigers, are set to challenge Group A favourites Qatar at their home stadium, Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium. Qatar, dominating Asian champions and notable hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are a formidable opponent.
Fresh off their critical initial victory over Kuwait, the Indian men’s football team is gearing up for arguably the most pivotal match of their 2023 campaign. They will confront Qatar in the early stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Tuesday, November 21.
Bringing the World Cup Qualifiers back to India, the Blue Tigers will meet the reigning Asian champions on home turf for the second match of the Round 2 Group A. Qatar comfortably overcame Afghanistan with an 8-1 victory in their inaugural match and are anticipated to give India stiff competition.
Under Igor Stimac’s capable leadership, the Indian team has maintained an impressive unbeaten record at home in 2023. Manvir Singh, forward for Mohun Bagan, secured India a valuable three-point lead over Kuwait, giving them a boost of confidence ahead of the crucial upcoming match against Qatar.
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The Indian team’s campaign commenced with an inspirational 1-0 win over Kuwait, courtesy of a 75th-minute goal by Manvir Singh. Meanwhile, Qatar confidently asserted their dominance with an 8-1 trouncing of Afghanistan in their opening match.
In a testament to their capabilities, India previously faced off against Qatar in a hard-fought draw during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2019. They’ll be aiming for a favourable outcome this time to bolster their standing in Group A.
India vs Qatar, FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Streaming and Broadcast Details:
Expect a high-stakes Group A match between the Indian national team and Qatar at Kalinga Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 PM IST on Tuesday, November 21, with live broadcasts available on Sports 18, Sports 18 1 and Sports 18 3. Each of India’s FIFA World Cup qualifying games is streamed live on the JioCinema application and website, free of charge.
India Squad for World Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Sandesh Jhingan, Mehtab Singh, Lalchungnunga, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Akash Mishra, Roshan Singh Naorem, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Apuia, Brandon Fernandes, Rohit Kumar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Udanta Singh.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Ishan Pandita, Rahul KP.
