India vs Qatar: Can Indian Football Team Make History at Kalinga Stadium?
The Indian men’s football team is set to take on Qatar at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha. After a crucial win against Kuwait, the Indian team is looking to secure a positive result against Qatar and move closer to securing their place in the next round of qualifiers.
The Indian team got off to a dream start in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Joint Qualification campaign with a win against Kuwait. This win gives them a statistical advantage in the fight for the second spot and a guaranteed place in the next edition of the AFC Asian Cup.
Up next is Qatar, the defending Asian champions who are ranked 61st in the FIFA rankings, while India is ranked 102nd. Qatar displayed an impressive performance in their first game, defeating Afghanistan 8-1.
Qatar’s star player, Almoez Ali, who was the top scorer at the 2019 Asian Cup, will be a focal point of their attack. Hassan Al-Haydos, Qatar’s most-capped player, will also pose a threat to the Indian team.
India will rely on their home advantage at the Kalinga Stadium, a venue where they have a strong record. Despite a halt in their winning momentum, India managed a clinical win in their opener, their first away win since the 2021 SAFF Championship final.
A victory or a draw against one of the best sides in the continent will go a long way in proving India’s growing credentials. Despite the absence of Manvir Singh, who scored the lone goal against Kuwait, the Indian team is determined to secure their first-ever victory against Qatar.
The support of the fans will also be crucial in India’s quest for a positive result against Qatar. With a good home record and the fans’ backing, the Indian men’s football team will be eager to make history at the Kalinga Stadium and secure their place in the next round.