The Indian football team’s journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers came to an abrupt end with a 2-1 loss to reigning Asian champions Qatar in their final Group A match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The loss marked the end of India’s campaign in the second round of the qualifiers, as they failed to make it to the third round.
The match began with a calculated start from India, who were determined to make the most of their chances against a young and under-strength Qatar side. However, the hosts continued to launch attack after attack, putting the Indian defenders under immense pressure. India relied heavily on counter-attacks, which proved to be their best bet against the relentless Qatar attack.
The first half saw India create several opportunities, with Lallianzuala Chhangte scoring the opening goal in the 37th minute. Chhangte’s goal was a significant moment in the match, as it gave India a deserved lead and put them on the verge of scripting a big win in their first match after Sunil Chhetri’s retirement.
However, the second half saw Qatar bounce back strongly, with Yousef Aymen scoring the equalizer in the 73rd minute. The goal was shrouded in controversy, as the ball had gone out of play before Aymen headed the ball into the net. Despite protests from the Indian players, the goal was allowed to stand, and Qatar continued to push for the winner.
India had several chances to restore their lead, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. In the 85th minute, Ahmed Al-Rawi scored the winning goal for Qatar, securing their passage to the next round of the qualifiers. The loss marked the end of India’s World Cup dreams, as they were unable to make it to the third round of the qualifiers.
The match was a testament to the resilience of the Indian team, who fought hard against a strong Qatar side. Despite the loss, the team showed great promise, particularly in the first half where they created several scoring opportunities. The performance of the Indian defenders was particularly noteworthy, as they managed to hold off the Qatar attack for most of the match.
The loss also marked the end of Igor Stimac’s tenure as the Indian head coach, who had been under pressure to deliver results. Stimac had announced the squad for the match against Qatar, which included four forwards, but ultimately failed to guide the team to victory.
The match was watched live on the FanCode on the FanCode app and website, with the Indian fans following the action closely. The loss was a heartbreaking end to India’s World Cup campaign, but the team will look to regroup and come back stronger in the future.
key Highlights
- India lost 2-1 to Qatar in their final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- Lallianzuala Chhangte scored the opening goal for India in the 37th minute.
- The match was marred by controversy, with Qatar’s equalizing goal being disrupted.
- Ahmed Al-Rawi scored the winning goal for Qatar in the 85th minute.
- The loss marked the end of India’s World Cup campaign and Igor Stimac’s ensure as head coach.
- The match was watched Iive on the FanCode app and website.
Conclusion
The India vs Qatar was a thrilling encounter that saw the Indian team fight hard against a strong Qatar side. Despite the loss, the team showed great promise, particularly in the first half where they created several scoring opportunities. The performance of the Indian defenders was particularly noteworthy, as they managed to hold off the Qatar attack for most of the match. The loss marked the end of India’s World Cup campaign and Lgor Stimac’s tenure as head coach, but the team will look to regroup and come back stronger in the future.