FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Afghanistan vs India: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

India will aim to secure their second win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

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The Indian national football team will lock horns against Afghanistan with a hope to turn things around after a disastrous start to 2024. The Blue Tigers will first play an away game against the Lions of Khorasan before playing at home in Guwahati on March 26 in the Round 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers.

India started their campaign with a statement 0-1 victory against Kuwait away from home before losing 0-3 to Asian champions Qatar in November 2023. They are currently ranked third on the table behind Qatar and Kuwait with three points to their name.

Kick Off

March 22, Friday, 12:30 AM IST

March 21, Thursday, 10:00 PM GMT+3

March 21, Thursday, 11:30 PM GMT+4:30

Form

Afghanistan (in all competitions): L-L-W-W-L

India (in all competitions): L-L-L-L-W

Players to watch 

Balal Arezou (Afghanistan)

Balal Arezou is one of Afghanistan’s most experienced campaigners. The striker has scored nine goals in 28 appearances and is Afghanistan’s second highest goal-scorer. He is known for his ball distribution and aerial abilities. The 35-year-old is excellent in winning ground and aerial duels while equally contributing in defense. He will shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities for his side against India.

Sunil Chhetri (India) 

Sunil Chhetri will lead the line against Afghanistan. The Indian skipper has an impressive track record against the Lions of Khorasam and will look to add to it. He has been going through a goal-drought, so are India, and this upcoming game is the perfect opportunity for Chhetri to outline once again, why he is India’s main man up front.

Match facts

• India are yet to win a game in 2024.
• The Afghanistan national team has been out of action since November 2023.
• India have scored 20 goals against Afghanistan across 11 matches
• There has never been a goalless draw between the two nations.

Injury and Team News

Afghanistan have a fully fit squad. India will miss the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad due to an injury.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 11

Afghanistan Wins – 1

India Wins – 7

Draws – 3

Predicted Lineup 

Afghanistan (4-4-2)

Ovays Azizi (GK), Zoheb Islam Amiri, Sharif Mukhammad, Mahboob Hanifi, Habibulla Askar, Omid Popalzay, Mustafa Azadzoy, Jabar Sharza, Rahmat Akbari, Balal Arezou, Omid Musawi

India (4-2-3-1)

Gurpeet Singh Sandhu (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Apuia, Jeakson Singh, Manvir Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri

Prediction for Afghanistan vs India

India are the favorites coming into this game, thanks to their superior FIFA ranking. Moreover, Afghanistan will be missing a lot of key players who have boycotted the national team. Expect India to secure their second win in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Prediction: Afghanistan 1-3 India

Telecast for Afghanistan vs India

DD Sports will broadcast the game, and FanCode will be live-streaming the game.

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