In a decisive final Group A match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, the Indian men’s football team was eliminated from the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers following a 2-1 loss to reigning Asian champions Qatar on Tuesday.
India concluded their campaign in third place within Group A, managing only one win in six matches, and thus failed to advance to the third round. Joining table-toppers Qatar, Kuwait secured their spot in the next round with a 1-0 victory over Afghanistan on the final matchday.
World No. 34 Qatar overcame a one-goal deficit after India’s Lallianzuala Chhangte scored the opening goal in the 37th minute. The hosts responded with second-half goals from Yousef Aymen (73′) and Ahmed Al-Rawi (85′). Indian goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was tested early, making a crucial save within the first two minutes. Qatar maintained offensive pressure, keeping Sandhu busy throughout the opening 15 minutes.
India had a significant opportunity just after the half-hour mark when Manvir Singh found himself in a one-on-one with the Qatari keeper but failed to convert. The rebound fell to Chhangte, who also missed the chance. India finally broke through with Brandon Fernandes delivering a low cross that Chhangte deftly redirected past Qatari goalkeeper Shehab Ellethy.
Qatar ramped up their efforts for an equalizer in the second half. Indian defender Mehtab Singh made a vital intervention nine minutes after the break, but Yousef Aymen eventually equalized in the 73rd minute. India nearly regained the lead 10 minutes later, with Jay Gupta and Liston Colaco both coming close. However, Qatar sealed the game with Ahmed Al-Rawi’s goal in the 85th minute after a series of missed chances.
Despite a valiant effort in the final minutes, India could not find an equalizer, ending their bid for the World Cup 2026.
