Kuwait vs India: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

India have an equal head-to-head tally with Kuwait.

Click here for Live Updates: Kuwait vs India

India will begin their journey in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait. The Blue Tigers are grouped alongside 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar, Afghanistan and Kuwait in Group A.

Qatar and Afghanistan will play the Group A opener before India lock horns with Kuwait in Kuwait City. The FIFA World Cup qualifiers will also serve as the qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup which is to be held in Saudi Arabia.

It is going to be a mouth-watering clash for both sides. On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of the game.

The Stakes

Kuwait

Kuwait have experienced a good run of form in 2023. They have played approximately 15 games so far in the calendar year and have lost just thrice, including once against India in the 2023 SAFF Championship final in Bengaluru back in July.

They come into the World Cup qualifiers having won 2-1 against a highly ranked Syria in a friendly match in October. They are a very solid team on the pitch and will be keen to settle scores with India come Thursday. 

India

The Blue Tigers began the year on a brilliant note and have won three trophies in less than five months. They won the Tri-Nation Tournament, the Intercontinental Cup and also the 2023 SAFF Championship at home.

But, they have gone off track in the last few months. Igor Stimac’s side has lost their last three encounters, all of which were away from home. Their ‘not so good looking’ away form will be a concern as they make a trip to Kuwait. However, India will take inspiration from the fact that they’re unbeaten against Kuwait this year.

Injury & Team News

Both nations are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Games played: 5

India wins: 2

Draws: 1

Kuwait wins: 2

Predicted Line-up

Kuwait 

Al-Saanoun, Al-Bloushi, Hajiah, Al-Enezi, Muhaisen, Khalaf, Al-Enezi, Al-Rashidi, Dashti, Al-Faneeni, Al-Awadi

India

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Apuia, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri, Naorem Mahesh Singh

Players to watch

Ahmed Al-Dhefiri (Kuwait)

The midfielder has been one of Kuwait’s best players in the recent past. He’s known for his creativity and the ability to make things happen in the middle of the park. He’s technically very sound and can score goals as well. Al-Dhefiri will be a big threat to India as he can turn the wind anytime.

Sahal Abdul Samad

Sahal has changed as a player in recent times. From struggling to prove his abilities to becoming an integral part of the national team, he has certainly come a long way. Sahal’s creative spark and the hunger to score goals will be an added advantage for India. Moreover, his synergy with teammates is well known to everyone which makes him even more special.

Did You Know?

• India are undefeated against Kuwait in 2023.
• The last time India played an away game against Kuwait was back in 2004.
• Kuwait are ranked 136 while India are ranked 102 on the FIFA rankings.

Telecast

India’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait will be played at the Jaber al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City on November 16. The kick-off time is 10 PM IST. The match will be telecasted on Sony Ten 2 and live streamed on Sony LIV app.

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