India vs Kuwait, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers: Where to watch Sunil Chhetri's farewell match on TV, OTT and more
For the Blue Tigers to have a chance at qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, they must win against Kuwait.
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India vs Kuwait
Sunil Chhetri, the captain, legend, and leader of the Indian men's football team, will have a last dance on Thursday, June 6, when the team plays Kuwait in the second-round Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifier at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Hopefully, after leading his side into the final-18 stage of the World Cup qualifiers, the 39-year-old icon will hang up his boots at the end of the game.
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The India vs Kuwait FIFA World Cup qualifier will be televised on the Sports18 Network, including Sports18, Sports18 3, and Sports18 HD. The game will also be streamed live on JioCinema, which broadcasts all Blue Tigers home matches in India, beginning at 7 PM IST.
Can the Indian Football Team qualify for the next round?
After two underwhelming games against Afghanistan, the Indian football team is in a vulnerable situation. For the Blue Tigers to have a chance at qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, they must win against Kuwait.
With four points from four games, India is now ranked second in Group A, behind leaders Qatar (12 points). Afghanistan is in third place with four points as well, but their goal differential is worse than India's (3), at -10. Kuwait, with three points, is last.
The India vs Kuwait game is crucial for the host team since the top two teams from each group move on to the third round of qualifications and earn direct qualifying to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
India's second-place standing will be assured with a victory versus Kuwait. Three points from Team India's encounter against Kuwait are critical as they prepare to play Asian champions Qatar on June 11. A defeat or a draw would be a serious blow. Afghanistan will play Kuwait away on June 11 after playing Qatar in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. They still can ruin India's hopes, but it will take incredible outcomes in both games to reverse India's lead.
India's 27-member squad for India vs Kuwait clash
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.