2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Why is Indian Football Team's game vs Afghanistan at 12:30 A.M. IST ?

The game is scheduled to take place at 10:00 P.M. local time.

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The Indian football team are set to face Afghanistan on 21 March 2024. The vital 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers second round Group A game is set to take place at 12:30 A.M. on Thursday night.

It’s not a usual time for the supporters of a team backed by 1.4 billion people to stay awake & watch the game. The Blue Tigers who last participated in the AFC Asian Cup, where they produced a poor display of form losing all the games will be playing this match in Abha, Saudi Arabia at 10:00 P.M. local time.

Why is the Kick-off so late?

The holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk has begun. So, in order to keep the players fully prepared for the game after they perform their fast and other rituals, the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game has been scheduled to happen late at night at 10:00 P.M. local time (12:30 A.M. IST).

What awaits for the Blue Tigers in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game vs Afghanistan?

The Blue Tigers have a golden opportunity to return to winning ways when they face a struggling Afghan side. The Indian football team last won a game on 16 November 2023 against Kuwait. After this famous win, India have lost all the games they played. 

The Indian football team has not scored a single goal in their last four outings. A clash against Afghanistan provides a wonderful opportunity for the Blue Tigers to turn the tables. Afghanistan, a team ranked (158) way below India are set to miss their vital players due to their boycott stance. 

For Igor Stimac’s men, playing at over 2,000 meters above sea level, this tailor-fit opportunity will be a chance not just to secure full three points but also to aim for a big win to better their goal difference.

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