India vs Qatar, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Spirited India will face a tough battle against Asian beast Qatar in the second round clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

India registered their first win in the away match of the World Cup qualifiers in 22 years when they outclassed Kuwait 1-0 last week to begin their second-round fixtures on high. Blue Tigers have set the parameter very high after their win in Kuwait which they will find challenging to meet against defending Asian Champions in front of a sold-out house in Odisha's capital.

The memories of the famous 0-0 draw between India and Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying match in Doha will kick in when the two sides face off in their second match.

ALSO READ: ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Team: Rohit Sharma Named Captain, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul Among Six Indian Players Included

India vs Qatar Head-to-head

India and Qatar have played against each other three times in history. India have not won against them but played two draws (1996, 2019) and lost one game (in June, 2021).

To beat Qatar which features striking prowess in the likes of Akram Afif, Hassan Al-Haydos and Akram Afif will be an uphill task for the hosts. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will be the bussiest man in the house as the visitors will not leave any opportunity to take a shot on the goal. Qataris will keep India's defensive line on their toes in the clash that will be dominated by the gulf nation in terms of ball possession and shots on goal.

Recommended For You

ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli's Historic 50th ODI Ton To Glenn Maxwell's Iconic 201*: Top Moments Of Cricket World Cup 2023

Will Manvir Singh play against Qatar?

Last match's sole goal-scorer Manvir Singh missed training on the eve of the much anticipated clash. There is no official word on the striker dealing with any injury or health issue but it is speculated that his participation in the match will be doubtful.

What to expect from the India vs Qatar match?

Overcoming Qatar will need a miraculous performance from Sunil Chhetri-led side but putting the best foot forward will be enough to live up to the expectations of the countrymen. In the pre-match conference, India head coach Igor Stimac hinted the same that they have nothing to lose against Qatar.

"We are very realistic, we know that Qatar is out of our league. But we also know that this is football, the most beautiful game in the world which provides opportunities and this is our opportunity," he said.

The India vs Qatar match will kick off at 7 PM IST at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Tuesday, November 21.


Also In News