India vs Qatar: Only scenarios in which the Blue Tigers can qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026

India are all set to face Qatar in their final second round fixture of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers in a do or die clash at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. The match will kick off at 9:15 PM IST. This will be the first time in years, Igor Stimac's blue tigers will play in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers without their legendary player Sunil Chhetri. 

While India's chances for qualifying into the FIFA World Cup 2026 are bleak at this point but there still might be hope at the end of tunnel. Here's a look at the scenarios in which India can qualify for third round of FIFA World Cup AFC qualifiers and keep their dream for FIFA World Cup 2026 alive against Qatar. 

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All scenarios in which India keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification hopes alive against Qatar

India are currently second in the Group A points table for FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers second round. Qatar have already qualified for the World Cup with first spot. The team that finishes second will not be knocked out but they will progress into the third round of qualifiers.  

India are currently second with 5 points and a goal difference of -3. Whereas, Afghanistan are third with 5 points but a goal difference of -10. Kuwait lie in the fourth spot with 4 points. 

If India beat Qatar tonight and Afghanistan fail to beat Kuwait or Afghanistan fail to beat Kuwait by a margin of at least 8 goals then India will qualify into the third round of qualifiers. 

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If India draw against Qatar then they will require the match between Afghanistan and Kuwait to also end in a draw. Then India will qualify into the third round with 6 points.  

If India lose to Qatar then no matter the result of the game between Afghanistan and Kuwait, India will be knocked out of FIFA World Cup qualifiers and will not play in the World Cup in USA in 2026.