In a highly anticipated showdown, the Indian Men’s National Football Team, led by veteran captain Sunil Chhetri, is set to clash against Afghanistan in a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 fixture.
The match is reportedly scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, today, on Tuesday, March 26, at 7 PM IST.
The stakes are high for the Blue Tigers as a victory would significantly bolster their prospects of advancing to Round 3 of the competition.
Despite coming off a disappointing goalless draw against Afghanistan on March 21, the Indian team remains determined to secure a decisive win this time around.
Heading into the crucial fixture, India finds itself in second place on the points table, trailing behind Qatar. With four points accumulated so far, including a win, a defeat, and a draw, India aims to secure maximum points to solidify its position in the standings.
Expressing optimism ahead of the match, India’s head coach Igor Stimac emphasized the importance of a positive result, highlighting that anything less than a win would be unacceptable for the team. Stimac also acknowledged the enthusiasm of the fans and expects a capacity crowd to rally behind the squad.
Reportedly, Sunil Chhetri is set to play his 150th International match today and in a special tribute to his remarkable career, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will honor the iconic striker for his 150th Senior International match.
Chhetri, who made his debut for the national team in 2005, has been a prolific goal scorer, netting an impressive 93 goals in 149 appearances. His unparalleled contribution to Indian football has earned him accolades both domestically and internationally, as per information.
As the Indian team gears up for the crucial encounter, all eyes will be on Sunil Chhetri and his teammates as they aim to secure a crucial victory and take another step towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Football enthusiasts can catch all the action live on JioCinema.
