Three keys to success for Qatar against India | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

India will face tough competition from the young guns of Qatar.

The Qatar National Football Team have already made their entry into the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as they are placed at the top in the group stage matches of the second round qualifiers with just two games remaining to wrap up the current round. 

A victory a draw or even a loss won’t affect the team in their progress to the next round. But it will be vital for the other three teams whose fate depends on the next two clashes. Qatar’s upcoming game is against the Indian National Football Team, whom they have already defeated in the first-leg match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. 

Certain aspects need to be looked forward to by the Qatari team who will face India tomorrow at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Here are the three keys to success for Qatar when they clash with the young Indian side.  

Thoughtful approach in the midfield and ruthless during the counter-attacks

The 34th-ranked team in the FIFA ranking are undoubtedly the better side on paper when they face the Indian side. Along with their height and physique, which is always an advantage for the side while playing against India, their approach in the midfield will be a major key to emerge as the winner of the match. 

Although there will be fewer expectations from the Indian side, to begin with an attacking approach, the Qatari side shall not miss out on any opportunity during the game. The passing accuracy in the midfield and the thrill of invading the final third will be a major key to registering a win in the last fixture of the second-round qualifiers. 

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

Dominating India’s inexperienced side

It’s well known to the world that after the exit of maestro Sunil Chhetri, the Blue Tigers are now a completely inexperienced bunch of players who will look forward to giving their best on the field. Even in the presence of Chhetri, the Qatari team defeated the Indian team by 3-0 goals in the first leg of the qualifiers. 

India will surely hope to provide some strong challenge for their opponent, which looks quite unusual when the standard of the home team is looked upon in the context of the game.  

Advantage of the support of the home crowd

Another advantage for Qatar is that they will be playing in front of their home crowd, who will surely come in numbers to support their team with enthusiasm.

Even though, these days, the Indian side can get crowd support wherever they are travelling, still playing against a higher-ranked team at their courtyard might not make any difference for Igor Stimac’s boys. 

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