Indian Football Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

India, 2 January 2026 — The Indian national football team is gearing up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, set to commence later this month. The team, under the guidance of head coach Igor Štimac, has been training intensively in New Delhi to fine-tune its strategies and improve team coordination.

The qualifiers present a significant opportunity for India to secure a spot in the continental tournament, which is highly regarded in Asian football circles. India has been placed in Group B alongside formidable teams such as Syria and Lebanon, making the competition particularly challenging.

The first match is scheduled to take place on January 15, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, where India will face Syria. The team is focused on leveraging home advantage and the support of local fans to gain an early lead in the group standings.

Coach Štimac has expressed confidence in the squad's capabilities, citing recent improvements in both offensive and defensive plays. Key players like Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan are expected to play pivotal roles in India's campaign.

The qualifiers are crucial for Indian football as they provide a platform to showcase the nation's progress on an international stage and could potentially elevate India's ranking within the Asian Football Confederation.