Does India stand a chance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers? Know all the details

Indian Football team’s recent run of success has certainly upped the optimism as the team learnt their opponents for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. A total of 48 teams will take part and India has been clubbed alongside Kuwait, Qatar and the winner between Afghanistan and Mongolia. This will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

3 things you need to know

• Lionel Messi’s Argentina lifted the World Cup in 2022
• The USA is the joint host of the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico
• This edition will be 48 teams World Cup

How India can make it to the World Cup finals

Due to their current ranking, India will skip the first round and will directly participate in the round two qualifiers. If they maintain their current form, they will stand a greater chance of making it to the next round as they are the second bet ranked teams after Qatar. Kuwait’s current rank is 137 and the winner between Afghanistan and Mongolia will grab the last place in the group.

Also Read: With Sunil Chhetri and Igor Stimac at helm, AIFF hoping for strong show in Asian Games

The Blue Tigers need to make sure they finish at least in the top two places to gain direct entry into the third round. A tricky fixture with Kuwait away from home will be awaiting them as they will kickstart their qualifiers on November 16. Favourable results against Kuwait and Qatar will be a cherry on top as Sunil Chhetri and Co are expected to get the better of Afghanistan or Mongolia with ease.

[Team India celebrates after their SAFF Championship win; Image; Twitter @IndianFootball]

In the third round, the challenge will get much bigger as winners and runners-up from all nine groups will be pitted together in three groups of six sides. The top two teams from each group will be qualified directly for the showpiece event while the third and fourth teams will make their way to the next round.

Also Read: 'Great news': PM Modi ecstatic as Indian football team set to take part in Asian Games

Inter-Confederation Playoffs will determine the final two spots

The fourth round will consist of six teams which will be then divided into two groups. The two winners will make it to the World Cup finals and the two runners-up teams will have to fight for a place in the Inter-Confederation Playoffs. 

In this format, four lower ranked teams will fight amongst themselves in two single round knockout matches. The two winners will then advance to the last hurdle where they will take on the two higher ranked teams and the winning teams will secure a place in the global football extravaganza.