India's Men's Football Team Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

India, 7 January 2026 — The Indian men's national football team is set to face Kuwait in their AFC Asian Cup 2026 qualifying match, scheduled for January 9 in Bengaluru. This match marks a crucial step for India as they seek to secure their place in the prestigious continental tournament.

Head coach Igor Stimac has announced a 23-member squad, with notable inclusions such as Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who are expected to play pivotal roles. The team has been training intensively at the Karnataka Football Stadium for the past week.

Kuwait, currently ranked higher than India in FIFA rankings, presents a significant challenge. However, India is hopeful to capitalize on the home advantage and the recent form shown in their international fixtures.

The AFC Asian Cup qualifiers are of paramount importance for India, aiming to improve their standing in Asian football and gain exposure on the international stage. The tournament serves as a platform for developing the sport further in the country.

The match against Kuwait is the first of a series of qualifiers that will determine India's fate in the 2026 AFC Asian Cup. The team and fans alike are eager to see India advance to the main tournament, which would be a significant achievement for Indian football.