India’s recent 2-1 loss to Afghanistan in Guwahati has put a damper on their hopes of qualifying for the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite this setback, India is still in second place in their group. However, their fate will depend on the outcome of the upcoming match between Kuwait and Qatar.
If Kuwait fails to win, India will remain in second place. On the other hand, a win against Kuwait in June is crucial for India’s chances of advancing. A victory will bring them up to seven points, solidifying their position above Kuwait.
In contrast, a draw against Kuwait may not be enough for India to secure a spot in the next round. In that case, their final game against Qatar will be pivotal in determining their fate. The loss to Afghanistan has highlighted the importance of securing a win in their remaining matches to keep their qualifying hopes alive.
Overall, India’s path to the next round depends on how they perform in the remaining matches. They must focus on securing victories if they want to stay in contention for qualification. Their upcoming matches against Kuwait and Qatar will be critical in determining their fate in the qualifiers.