India will host Kuwait on June 6 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as part of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Following this crucial match, the Blue Tigers will travel to Qatar for their final game of the second round.
The upcoming FIFA World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, making it the largest one yet. This expansion not only extends the tournament but also increases opportunities for nations from all confederations, including Asia, to secure a spot in the prestigious event. This change paves the way for relatively weaker nations to dream of World Cup participation.
Understanding the Qualification Process
The structure of India’s journey through the qualifiers is as follows:
Round 2:
36 teams compete.
The top two teams from each group advance to Round 3 and also earn a spot in the AFC Asian Cup.
Round 3:
The draw places 18 teams into three groups of six.
Each team plays on a home-and-away basis.
The top two teams from each group secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Round 4:
The remaining teams are split into two groups of three.
Teams play one-off matches at a neutral venue.
The winners from each group qualify for the World Cup, while the runners-up move to Round 5.
Round 5:
The final teams play two legs on a home-and-away basis.
The winner qualifies for an inter-confederation play-off, offering one last chance to reach the World Cup.
What India Needs to Do
To make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, India must:
finish in the top two in their group during the second round.
Repeat this performance in the third round.
Victory against Kuwait and strong performances in subsequent matches are crucial for India’s World Cup aspirations.
