India predicted lineup for Kuwait clash in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026

Sunil Chhetri will surely look to score in his last match for India.

On June 6, the Blue Tigers will take on Kuwait in the Salt Lake stadium, Kolkata in an attempt to win thus enhancing their chances of qualification for the third round in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. With four points from four games, they hold the second-place position in the table and are predicted to advance to the next round of the FIFA World Cup qualifying.Kuwait, on the other hand, have performed quite poorly, coming in last in the rankings. There is a lot of excitement for an exciting match as the Blue Tigers make their three-year comeback to Kolkata. When facing the Al-Azraq, Igor Stimac needs to start with his strongest lineup.

The fact that this is the final game for our Indian captain and star Sunil Chhetri before hanging up his boots on the international front makes the contest even more memorable.India are vying to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, so they will undoubtedly try to learn from their past mistakes and aim for victory. We at Khel Now will be anticipating the Indian football team’s starting lineup versus Kuwait as Igor Stimac contemplates adding a few new players to the team.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

As crosses enter from the opposition half, Kuwait demonstrates a strong ability to take advantage of the flanks, highlighting the vital role played by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal.

Sandhu’s ability to neutralize threats posed by aerial deliveries and his dominating presence make him an invaluable asset to the Indian football squad. He is a tough goalkeeper. Gurpreet is Igor Stimac’s first pick due to his consistently promising performance and experience.

Right-Back: Nikhil Poojary

Poojary’s arrival on the field provides much-needed speed and energy, giving Kuwait’s wingers a serious answer to any threats they may pose. His contribution to the national team and his steady play demonstrate how important he is in stopping opponent attacks.

Poojary’s competence in defensive duties highlights his value as a defensive asset and highlights his importance in the team’s defensive strategies.

Centre-Back: Anwar Ali

With Sandesh Jhingan out of the picture, Anwar Ali comes into focus. Ali’s shrewd interceptions and deft back-field distribution have made an impression on defense.

The Mohun Bagan center-back’s remarkable performances for India in the previous game were vital, even though he had just returned from an injury. Anwar Ali is anticipated to be a key member of Igor Stimac’s starting lineup when they play Kuwait.

Centre-Back: Jay Gupta

Jay Gupta left a lasting impression in his first ISL season by constantly playing well for the Gaurs. Playing excellent defense, he controlled duels and showed a tenacious work ethic while regaining the ball. Gupta made an equally spectacular offensive impact.

From the full-back position, he skillfully started assaults with overlapping runs, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Even though Mumbai City FC, the eventual champions, defeated them in the semi-final, Gupta’s outstanding play was evident. Anwar Ali playing with Jay Gupta will bolster the Blue Tigers’ defense in their crucial tie against Kuwait.

Left-Back: Subhasish Bose

The third-choice captain of India, Subhasish Bose, is a defender who is somewhat older than the other players on this team. The coaching staff’s confidence in the Mohun Bagan captain is demonstrated by this. He will be playing on the left flanks against Kuwait and assume heavy responsibility to cater the Indian defense line.

Bose is a great asset at the back because of his calmness on the ball and his discernment of the situation. Future leadership responsibilities are anticipated to fall to Subhasish as he accumulates more expertise.

Defensive-Midfielder: Jeakson Singh

Alongside Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh is expected to take back his place in the midfield, supporting the wide flanks. Igor Stimac’s favorite, Jeakson’s position in the center of the park is essential. He strengthens India’s midfield with his quick interceptions and accurate ball delivery.

Jeakson’s addition improves India’s dominance over the middle third by allowing them to use him as a left midfielder.

Midfielder: Anirudh Thapa

One of the most versatile midfielders in India, Anirudh Thapa, is nearly unplayable when he’s on form. The box-to-box midfielder needs to keep his or her distance from the ball to deny Kuwait room to maneuver.

He will be essential in transitions on the right flanks at the same time. It would be intriguing to observe how he outperforms the midfield of Al-Azraq.

Attacking-Midfielder: Brandon Fernandes

In the 2023–24 ISL, Brandon Fernandes, known for being the most inventive Indian player around, continued to work his magic with FC Goa. With his inch-perfect final passes to generate opportunities, Fernandes was still able to cause problems for the opposing defense.

The 29-year-old shared the most goal-scoring opportunities of any player in the ISL with 60 last season. It will be interesting to watch him play the trequartista behind Sunil Chhetri in the qualifiers.

Also Read: India vs Kuwait Preview, injury news, H2H, telecast | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Left-Winger: Edmund Lalrindika

Edmund Lalrindika of Inter Kashi had an incredible I-League season. The attacker finished with eight assists in addition to his four goals.

Stimac’s assault may benefit greatly from Lalrindika’s ability to drop deep and assist in the build-up play. The 25-year-old can also be a terrific outlet for creating chances in the final third of the game. The midfielder displays a special confidence in his style of play and has so far shown himself to be fairly excellent in the national team camp.

Igor Stimac has been having offensive issues lately, so Lalrindika’s addition to the team could be the solution, and the I-League sensation could make a difference for the Blue Tigers against Kuwait.

Right-Winger: Lallianzuala Chhangte

Lallianzuala Chhangte, a legendary sprinter, becomes an important member of Team India’s flanking unit. His outstanding ISL performances for Mumbai highlight his form and skills.

Chhangte is ideally positioned as a right winger because of his accurate crosses, quick pace, and ability to find the back of the net. In the World Cup Qualifiers versus Kuwait, Chhangte’s crosses will be crucial to India’s chances of scoring goals as Sunil Chhetri and other forwards rely on his deliveries.

Also Read: List of countries Sunil Chhetri scored against

Striker: Sunil Chhetri

Given that this is Sunil Chhetri‘s final game for the Blue Tigers and his incredible record with the Indian national team, Indian football fans are experiencing an emotional rollercoaster at his selection in the squad. The nation’s leading goal scorer’s contributions are indisputable, even though he is the oldest player in the team.

For the encounter against Kuwait, his wealth of experience, leadership on the pitch, and steady ability to find the net make him an invaluable asset. After twenty years, a journey that began in 2004 at Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan is finally coming to an end there.

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