India fail to qualify for Round 3 of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers after refereeing blunder

Lallianzuala Chhangte scored the opening goal for India in the 37th minute, giving the Blue Tigers the advantage away from home. It was the first open play goal India have scored in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers since November, when they defeated Kuwait.

The assist from Brandon Fernandes was absolutely incredible. The new Mumbai City FC midfielder was eye-catching in his cameo during India’s last game against Kuwait and rightfully earned a start against Qatar. His pass was of the highest quality, paying off the manager’s faith in him for the big game.

Qatar score controversial goal to draw with India in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

📸 | HORRIBLE SCENES! WE'VE BEEN ROBBED! UTTER DISGRACEFUL SCENES! #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/to0PWnmtt3

— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) June 11, 2024

The hosts equalised in the 73rd minute through a controversial goal, with the ball visibly out of play before it was tapped in. The referee had an absolute blunder, as neither the official or the linesman were able to make the right call.

Al-Rawi’s late goal was enough to break Indian hearts and send the team to the bottom of the table. Kuwait have made it to second place after defeating Afghanistan 1-0, ruling out any chance for India to find their way back into the game in what was a heartbreaking final few minutes of the game.

🎥 | WATCH : Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and team India protest against a debatable decision by the Linesman and Referee! NOT DONE ❌ #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/Njc4NCl26Y

— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) June 11, 2024

The game was open ended, with several opportunities on both ends. But, resolute goalkeeping from both shotstoppers ensured that the scoreline was kept to a minimum. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will surely be frustrated given the nature of the first goal, as it was the one that turned the tide for Qatar in the game.

The Indian side had stopped playing after Sandhu spilled the ball and it seemingly went out of bounds. But, the referee didn’t point to the corner flag, and allowed the goal in spite of the protests from the defending side.