2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Three talking points as India beat Kuwait

It was India’s first away win after a gap of more than two years

What a night of football we have had at the Jaber al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. India put on a brilliant display and won their first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers.

The Blue Tigers were certainly the better team and deserved to win. Manvir Singh opened the scoring for India with a picture perfect left footed goal and handed his nation a crucial 0-1 win away from home. With this win India are now level on points with group leaders Qatar.

On that note, let us take a look at the talking points from India’s historic win in Kuwait.

3. India’s perfectly planned and executed goal

The Blue Tigers brought their training ground tricks to the pitch and executed it to perfection. India took the lead in the 75th minute as Manvir Singh executed India’s plan and scored past the keeper with his left foot.

The move began with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu playing a short pass to Rahul Bheke from a goal kick. Bheke then released a quick pass to Akash Mishra who then played a first time ball to Chhangte. Chhangte then sent in a great ball from the left flank and Manvir got the all important touch and finished it off in the back of the net.

2. India’s proactive approach

India looked very different from what they have been in their previous World Cup qualifiers. They looked more proactive and were willing to make things happen and not sit back and wait for their chances.

The Blue Tigers looked in good shape all throughout the game and created many goal scoring opportunities. They were rewarded at the end as Manvir’s goal handed them their first three points. And not just that, they were even at the top of their game defensively and kept things pretty tight at the back.

1. First win away from home after two years

It was India’s first win away from home after a gap of more than two years. Their last win away from home came in 2021 against Nepal in the 2021 SAFF Championship Final in Maldives. This win will give the Blue Tigers a lot of confidence going into the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game against Qatar on next week.

Igor Stimac’s side lost three back-to-back games away from home after a magical run of form at home. This was India’s 10th win of the calendar year in 15 matches. Moreover, it was India’s second win against Kuwait in Kuwait.

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