The next edition of the FIFA World Cup will be the largest version of the tournament, expanding from 32 to 48 teams. The longer tournament, with more number of matches, will also allow confederations to have more representation in the premier international tournament.
For Asia, naturally, that paves the way for relatively weaker nations to earn a spot in the World Cup.
India is playing Afghanistan in the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati Assam. Sitting second after three matches, India has a chance to qualify for the third round and thus for the next edition of the AFC Asian Cup.
However, it can also go a few notches up and make a surprise qualification into the World Cup.
ALSO READ | Road to FIFA World Cup 2026; qualification process explained
Here is how the qualification process works:
Round 2 – 18 teams from 36 – The top two teams from each group of second round will qualify in round three and also seals a sport for the AFC Asian Cup.
Round 3 – 6 teams qualify for the World Cup – The teams are drawn into three groups of six teams each, with teams in each group playing against each other on a home-and-away basis. The top two teams from each group seal a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Round 4 – 2 teams qualify for the World Cup – The remaining teams from the third round are drawn into two groups of three teams each. The teams will play each other in a one-off game at a neutral venue. The winners from each group will qualify for the World Cup and the runners-up will enter Round 5.
Round 5 – 1 team into an inter-confederation play-off – The teams will play two legs on a home-and-away basis with the winner qualifying for the inter-confederation play-off.
How can India qualify for the FIFA World Cup?
India will have to finish in the top two in the second and third rounds of the qualifiers to seal a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Group A standings in second round:
| Positions | Teams | Matches | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1 | Qatar | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 13 | 9 |
| 2 | India | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 4 |
| 3 | Afghanistan | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 13 | -10 | 4 |
| 4 | Kuwait | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
How can India qualify for the third round after 2-1 loss to Afghanistan?
India will next host Kuwait on June 6 and then travel Qatar to play its last match of second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The Blue Tigers are currently second on the points table thanks superior goal difference (GD) over Afghanistan. India needs to win at least one of its next two matches.
Scenario 1 - India wins against Kuwait and loses against Qatar. Qatar wins all its matches. Kuwait wins against Afghanistan and goes down to Indian and Qatar. India qualifies with 7 points.
Scenario 2 - India wins against Kuwait and loses against Qatar. Qatar wins against India, Kuwait but gets beaten by Afghanistan. Kuwait wins against Afghanistan and goes down to Indian and Qatar. India can still qualify with 7 points, however, goal difference will come to play as Afghanistan will also be on 7 points.
Scenario 3 - India wins against Kuwait and loses against Qatar. Qatar wins versus India and Afghanistan but goes down to Kuwait. Afghanistan wins against Kuwait. India can still qualify with 7 points, however, goal difference will come to play as Afghanistan will also be on 7 points.
Scenario 4 - India wins against Qatar and loses against Kuwait. Qatar wins versus Afghanistan and Kuwait. Afghanistan wins against Kuwait. India can still qualify with 7 points, however, goal difference will come to play as Afghanistan will also be on 7 points.
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