Manashimaya
In a heart-wrenching finale, the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers saw India’s campaign end after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar. Despite a spirited performance, the Indian men’s football team was knocked out in their final Group A match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday.
The match began with India showing promise and determination. Ranked 121st in the world, the Indian team faced the formidable challenge of reigning Asian champions Qatar, ranked 34th. Early on, India’s goalkeeper and captain, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, showcased his skills with a crucial save within the first two minutes, setting the tone for a competitive game. However, the narrative of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India’s campaign ends after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar, was set in motion.
India had a significant chance just after the half-hour mark when Manvir Singh found himself in a one-on-one situation with the Qatari goalkeeper but unfortunately failed to convert. The rebound fell to Lallianzuala Chhangte, who also missed the opportunity. Yet, Chhangte redeemed himself in the 37th minute, scoring the opening goal for India. Brandon Fernandes delivered a precise low cross from the flank, and Chhangte’s deft touch sent the ball past Qatari goalkeeper Shehab Ellethy, bringing hope to Indian fans.
Despite this initial lead, the story of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India’s campaign ended after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar took a turn in the second half. Qatar came back strong, determined to equalise. Mehtab Singh made a crucial intervention just nine minutes after the restart, but the hosts’ relentless pressure paid off in the 73rd minute. Yousef Aymen found the net, levelling the score and shifting the momentum in Qatar’s favour.
India had another chance to reclaim the lead ten minutes later when Jay Gupta and Liston Colaco came close, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India’s campaign ends after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar, narrative was sealed when Ahmed Al-Rawi scored for Qatar in the 83rd minute, capitalising on a series of missed chances by the Indian side. Despite a valiant effort in the closing minutes, India could not equalise, marking the end of their World Cup dream.
Throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India’s campaign ended after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar, the Indian team displayed commendable resilience and skill. Under the guidance of coach Igor Stimac, they finished third in Group A with one win from six matches, unable to advance to the third round. Kuwait, with a 1-0 victory over Afghanistan on the final matchday, joined group leaders Qatar in progressing to the next stage.
The Indian team’s journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India’s campaign ends after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar, highlighting the potential and the challenges they face on the international stage. Their performance against higher-ranked teams like Qatar showed glimpses of promise, though the results ultimately fell short of expectations. This campaign has been a learning experience for the Indian squad, reflecting the need for continued development and strategic planning to compete at the highest levels.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India’s campaign ends after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar, the focus now shifts to building on the lessons learned. Indian football enthusiasts remain hopeful for a brighter future, inspired by the team’s spirit and determination, despite the disappointment of this defeat.
