FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Team India begin preparations against Kuwait, Qatar, coach Igor Stimac names 28 probables

India is gearing up for its 2026 FIFA World Cup journey, which commences in November 2023. The road to the 2026 edition, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, has been expanded to include 48 teams, offering increased opportunities to teams from all confederations. The AFC (Asian Football Confederation) has been granted eight direct spots for its member nations, with an additional place available through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

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The first leg of India's journey takes place in the second round of AFC qualifying. India has been placed in Group A and will compete against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, who successfully overcame Mongolia in the initial round. To prepare for the qualifiers, India will embark on a preparatory camp in Dubai starting November 8.

India's opening Group A fixture will be against Kuwait at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City on November 16. The team will then return home to face Qatar at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on November 21. To advance to the third round, where six of the AFC's eight direct qualification spots will be decided, the Blue Tigers must secure a top-two finish in their four-team group.

Currently ranked 102nd on the FIFA Men's World Ranking, India is led by head coach Igor Stimac. On Friday, the head coach revealed a list of 28 potential players for the initial two matches of Round 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification.

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Glan Peter Martins, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rohit Kumar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh Kumam.

Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.