'It's time we justify our POT' - Indian football fans react to FIFA World Cup Qualifiers draw

Fans also expressed their opinions on the Asian Games' groupings.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers draw has sparked excitement and anticipation among football fans worldwide. For India, this draw has been a moment of great significance as they find themselves in Group A, along with formidable opponents such as Qatar, Kuwait, and (Magnolia/Afghanistan).
As fans closely analyze the draw, there is a mix of emotions ranging from hope and optimism to cautious realism. The draw for the Asian Games football tournament in Group A, which includes China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India, further adds to the excitement.
Twitter was abuzz with reactions from fans expressing their hopes, concerns, and optimism about India's chances in these prestigious competitions.
The Dream of India in the World Cup
India's inclusion in Group A for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers has ignited an overwhelming sense of hope and pride among football enthusiasts in the nation. Many fans see this as a golden opportunity for India to showcase their potential on the global stage.
The prospect of witnessing the Indian football team compete against established teams like Qatar has generated immense excitement. Supporters expressed their unwavering belief that the Indian team have been making steady progress in recent years and can hold their own in this competitive group.
Happiness with the Draw's Difficulty
Surprisingly, some fans were happy with the draw's difficulty, arguing that it would push the Indian team to play at their best and give them a real test of their abilities.
Twitter is abuzz with encouraging messages, highlighting India's improving performance and the significant strides taken in football development.
Not an Easy Group, But Not Unattainable Either
The general sentiment among fans is that Group A is indeed a challenging group, but it is by no means an insurmountable task for India. Twitter users emphasized the importance of unity, hard work, and strategic planning to navigate through the tough fixtures. Some fans drew parallels to historical football upsets, reiterating that the game is full of surprises, and India could script a remarkable journey.
Away Games: The Deciding Factor
A recurring theme in Twitter discussions is the significance of away games in determining a team's fate in the qualifiers. India's performance in away matches against Qatar, Kuwait, and (Mongolia/Afghanistan) is anticipated to be crucial.
Fans acknowledged the immense pressure and difficulties of playing in hostile environments, but they rallied behind their team, expressing unwavering support. They believe that the Indian squad's performance in away fixtures will be the ultimate test of their mettle.
The Asian Games Football Challenge
While the focus was primarily on the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the Asian Games football draw also garnered attention. India U-23 Men's Team found themselves in Group A alongside hosts China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Meanwhile the U-23 Women's Team was engulfed by Thailand and Chinese Taipei.
India's Prospects in Asian Games
With India being grouped with China, a traditional Asian football powerhouse, fans were both excited and cautious about their team's chances in the competition.
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