Kolkata to host India's upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Kuwait

Hyderabad was earlier thought to be in line to stage the crucial game in June.

In a significant move announced by All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey, Kolkata has been chosen as the venue for the upcoming game against Kuwait in the second round of the joint qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027. 

The decision to stage the match in Kolkata was made after the request made by head coach Igor Stimac, indicating a strategic move to harness the overwhelming support of Indian football fans in the city and potentially secure a historic appearance in Round 3 of the joint qualifiers.

The announcement was made today by the AIFF, as Chaubey confirmed the venue for the match. The move, however, comes as a disappointment for Hyderabad, as the southern metropolis was previously seen as a contender to host the pivotal clash. The city will now have to wait for another opportunity to showcase its enthusiasm for the sport on a national stage. The game is set to take place on June 6 during the international break.

Currently occupying the third position in Group A, India’s journey in the first two qualifiers has been on expected lines. The Blue Tigers secured a crucial away victory against Kuwait with a narrow 1-0 win n the first game. However, the team suffered a setback on home soil, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against Asian champions Qatar in November.

With the upcoming fixtures against Afghanistan, India are gearing up for a very important moment in their qualification campaign. In back-to-back encounters, India will face Afghanistan on 21st March away at Abha in Saudi Arabia, followed by the return fixture on 26th November at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

The Indian football team had an awful outing in the AFC Asian Cup, registering no points and no goals. The team will be eager to bounce back and make a statement by securing a spot in Round 3.

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