How can India qualify for Round 3 of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers? All scenarios analysed

India’s hopes of qualifying for Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers took a huge blow with their 0-0 draw against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium. National team captain Sunil Chhetri played his final game in front of a passionate crowd, albeit not getting the perfect send-off.

The Blues got lucky with Qatar and Afghanistan playing out a 0-0 draw as well, which means they are still second in their group. So, is there a chance that India can make it to Round 3 by finishing second? Head coach Igor Stimac certainly believes so.

Igor Stimac optimistic India can finish second and make it to for Round 3 of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

“We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves as we are still alive. I need to do everything in the next five days to make the boys believe, make them create the environment of belief, which can take us into a challenge against Qatar who are a very different team,” Stimac asserted in the post-match press conference.

“It’s a small hope, but it’s till there and we need to believe and trust in ourselves and give our best shot to win the game.”

What do India need to qualify for Round 3?

Here is how the Group A Table Stands, at the end of the Round 2 Qualifiers Matchday Five! #IndianFootball #FIFAWorldCup #IFTWC 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/dGSbeRxWAo

— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) June 7, 2024

Scenario 1: India win vs Qatar

Since Qatar has rested a lot of their star players, India have a good chance of pulling off an upset win to guarantee their spot in Round 3. A win would be the most straightforward way to end all doubts. But, other permutations also need to be considered.

Scenario 2: India draw

If India draw, they will have six points. Afghanistan have five points, while Kuwait have four. If the Blues draw in Qatar, they’ll need Afghanistan to draw as well. If either team wins, then they will lose out on points alone.

So, the Blues Tigers need the help of a draw in the Afghanistan vs Kuwait game to have a chance at making it through to Round 3. However, they must take matters into their own hands and push for a win against Qatar, who will be without many of their regulars.