India to Face Afghanistan in Crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Matches

The Indian football team is gearing up to face Afghanistan in a crucial set of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The matches hold significance as both teams vie for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

The first match between India and Afghanistan will take place at the Damac Club Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia. The second leg will see the teams clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, India.

India had a mixed start in the qualifiers, securing a win against Kuwait but suffering a defeat to Qatar. Coach Igor Stimac has prepared a strong squad for the upcoming matches, although they will miss the presence of injured defender Sandesh Jhingan.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, has had a tough run so far in the qualifiers, facing heavy losses to Qatar and Kuwait. They are in search of their first win in this round of the competition.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers feature 36 teams divided into groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the third qualifying round and secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Key players from the Indian squad include Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sunil Chhetri, Anirudh Thapa, and others, who will be crucial in determining the outcome of the matches against Afghanistan.