India and Afghanistan will as soon as once more face one another within the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. First sport ended as a goalless draw the place India visited Afghanistan for the conflict however now the sport is at house on Tuesday (March 26). The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati will probably be totally packed by the house followers to help the Blue Tigers.
Ahead of India’s FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Asia Cup 2027 preliminary joint qualification spherical two match towards Afghanistan, the Indian head coach, Igor Stimac, mentioned {that a} draw is similar as a loss for them and after enjoying a stalemate towards Afghanistan 4 days in the past, the staff is optimistic and aiming for full factors.
In their earlier assembly simply 4 days in the past, the Blue Tigers have been held to a goalless draw by Afghanistan on Saudi Arabian soil. Despite not gaining all of the three factors Igor Stimac and his aspect have been desperately within the hunt for, they moved as much as second place within the four-team Group A as Qatar beat Kuwait 3-0 on the identical day.
After three matches performed every, the double Asian champions lead the desk with 9 factors, adopted by India with 4, Kuwait with three and Afghanistan with one. The prime two groups within the group will qualify for Round three of the World Cup Qualifiers and ebook their berth on the 2027 AFC Asian Cup as nicely.
“We remember how well we played against Oman here the last time we were here, but that was a long time ago. We are positive and looking forward to tomorrow’s game, where we’ll try to do our best. A draw is the same as a loss for us. We need to make things easier for the June game against Kuwait,” mentioned the Croatian, as quoted by an All India Football Federation (AIFF) press launch.
A capability crowd is predicted to fill the stands with followers set to journey from neighbouring northeastern states, hoping to witness the Blue Tigers take a giant step in the direction of qualifying for Round 3 for the primary time in historical past.
For what would be the first India match in Guwahati since a World Cup Qualifier in 2019 towards Oman, the place has been buzzing for weeks, with posters and commercials unfold throughout the town. A lot of followers additionally turned up for India’s coaching classes on Saturday and Sunday.
“It is really nice to feel the atmosphere and the buzz here. We were disappointed with the end result in the first game against Afghanistan. We need to make things right here. I hope there will be a good crowd here in Assam tomorrow,” mentioned Stimac.
Almost 23,000 folks watched India’s conflict towards Oman 5 years in the past, the place the guests got here from a purpose all the way down to win 2-1, cancelling out Sunil Chhetri’s opening strike. Despite the defeat, it was considered one of India’s optimistic performances within the first few months of Stimac’s reign.
Stimac continued to put emphasis on the house sport towards Kuwait in June, and that Tuesday’s consequence towards Afghanistan will take them one step nearer to the last word purpose of constructing the following spherical of the World Cup qualifiers.
“What I say to my players is that nothing ends with tomorrow’s game. We are in a good position, holding the second spot in the group. We are on the verge of making history in Indian football,” mentioned Stimac.
Here are all of the livestreaming particulars for India vs Afghanistan FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match…
What is the timing of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India and Afghanistan?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India and Afghanistan will probably be performed on Tuesday (November 21) from 7:00 PM (IST) onwards.
Where is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India and Afghanistan going to be performed?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India vs Afghanistan will probably be performed at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Where can I watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India and Afghanistan on TV?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India and Afghanistan will probably be telecasted dwell on Sports 18 Network.
Where can I dwell stream the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India and Afghanistan?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match between India and Afghanistan will probably be live-streamed on the Jio Cinema app and web site.
The subplot of the fixture will probably be Sunil Chhetri‘s anticipated one hundred and fiftieth look for the nationwide staff, a feat no participant has ever achieved for India and solely 40 gamers have for his or her nation within the historical past of the game. However, the captain was fast to level out that Tuesday ought to solely be concerning the Indian staff and the job in hand.
“I am honoured and privileged. After this, let is not make tomorrow about this, and only about India versus Afghanistan,” mentioned Chhetri.
The captain shared his ideas on the draw 4 days in the past. “As the game progressed, we became more desperate. When you start a game dominating and you miss chances, you have the idea that you’re chasing the game because you want to win. I think no matter who you play against, if the chances come, send them.”
That is precisely what the Blue Tigers must do probably the most after going 5 matches in a row with out scoring. On house soil, India have netted 16 objectives within the final 12 matches, and Stimac and his boys will probably be desirous to deal with the Guwahati crowd with extra of them tomorrow.
