Football

India's football team is gearing up for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Afghanistan, with the aim of securing a spot in the third phase of the qualifiers for the first time. Coach Igor Stimac emphasized the team's determination to win the upcoming games and progress to the next round.India will face Afghanistan in back-to-back matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers round 2. The first match will be held in Abha, Saudi Arabia on March 21, while the second will take place in Guwahati, India on March 26.Stimac acknowledged the team's disappointing performance at the AFC Asian Cup in January, but stressed that their focus is now on the upcoming qualifiers. "We are not a club that can work with the players on a daily basis," he said. "The expectations were high without any base."India currently stands level on three points with Kuwait in Group A, but has an inferior goal difference. A top-two finish in their group will guarantee progression to Round 3 of the qualifiers, which will also ensure direct qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.Stimac highlighted the challenges of playing in Abha, which is located at a high altitude of 2,270 meters. "Afghanistan did everything to make it difficult for us," he said. "Choosing Abha as their home venue was a clever decision."Despite the challenges, Stimac expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome the obstacles and secure a positive result. "We are going there with a clear mindset, and we're looking for the points," he said. "Most of our boys are in decent form at their clubs, and hopefully we can overcome all difficulties and find a way to manage the game in a positive way."The Indian team is set to travel to Abha on a chartered plane for their first match against Afghanistan. Stimac believes that the team has the potential to make history by reaching Round 3 of the qualifiers for the first time. "They all have the same dream, so we don't need to inject any motivation into them," he said. "We have never made it to Round 3 before, and if we do that, it will then give them new dreams, to qualify for the World Cup in the future."

Igor Stimac, India's head coach, has expressed his preference for Kolkata as the venue for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6. Stimac believes that the city's passionate football atmosphere would provide a significant advantage for the Indian team.The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has a capacity of over 66,000, and Stimac is eager to utilize the potential of a large and enthusiastic crowd to boost India's chances of securing a berth in the third round of the 2026 qualifiers. A victory or draw against Kuwait would mark a historic achievement for India, as it would be their first-ever progression to the third round.Stimac's preference for Kolkata aligns with the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) policy of prioritizing the head coach's recommendations for national team matters. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has emphasized that Stimac's suggestions will be paramount in decision-making.While Kolkata remains the frontrunner, Hyderabad and a venue in Maharashtra are also in contention to host the match. However, Stimac has indicated that he would prefer to explore new venues only after India qualifies for the third round.In the event that Kolkata is unable to host the game, Stimac has identified Bengaluru as an alternative venue. India recently triumphed in the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, and Stimac believes that the city's positive football environment would be beneficial for the team.Stimac has also announced a long list of 35 probables for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan on March 21 and 26. The list includes several new faces, such as Amey Ranawade, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Jay Gupta.The probables list will be pruned after the Indian Super League pauses for the international break on March 14. Stimac has stated that he may consider adding new players to the squad for the June qualifiers, which include an away game against Qatar.Stimac emphasized that the rebuilding process for the Indian team will begin after the 2024 Asian Cup. He believes that it is crucial to maintain continuity with the players who have been part of the squad for the past four years.