The Indian football team is gearing up for a critical showdown in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier Round 2, where they will face the formidable Asian champions, Qatar. The match is set to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on November 21, Tuesday. Coming off a significant victory against Kuwait, the Blue Tigers are filled with optimism and a resolve to continue their strong form.
Under the guidance of head coach Igor Stimac, India's recent win in the qualifiers against Kuwait marked a promising start to their campaign. This victory was particularly noteworthy for India's impressive defensive performance, successfully keeping a clean sheet against their opponents. This defensive rigor and organization will be crucial as India prepares to take on Qatar, currently ranked 61st in the FIFA charts.
India's previous encounter with Qatar in the qualifiers was a tough battle. Despite being reduced to ten men, the Indian team put up a valiant fight but narrowly lost 0-1 in the June 4, 2021 match. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was the hero of that game, with a series of critical saves that kept India in the game.
Gurpreet enters the upcoming match against Qatar with confidence, following his stellar performance against Kuwait. His role will be pivotal in bolstering India's defensive strategy.
For fans eager to catch the action, the India vs Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifier will kick off at 7 pm IST on November 21 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the venue expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans, as tickets have already sold out.
The game will be broadcast on Sports18, Sports18 1, and Sports18 3 channels, and will also be available for streaming on JioCinema.
As the Indian team prepares for this crucial match, they are not only buoyed by their recent success but also drawing lessons from their last meeting with Qatar. The coaching staff and players are acutely aware of the high stakes and the intense level of competition they will face. With the support of a full house at the Kalinga Stadium, the Blue Tigers are set to put up a spirited fight against Qatar in this much-anticipated qualifier.
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