Off tournament

FIFA World Cup: Sunil Chhetri’s eyes light up and a broad grin spreads across his face as he considers the prospect of India making history and qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

The Indian team's road to the 2026 edition of FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and USA begins in November 2023, with the expanded 48-team tournament offering greater opportunities to teams in all confederations, with eight direct spots available to AFC nations and a further place open via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

“When that happens, the country will go mad. As an Indian, it’s going to be one of the best days of my life. I have so many dreams about that day. It is going to be humongous. The anticipation, the hope that it will bring to the complete nation is something that I know I will never forget in my life. There are so many people like me who can’t wait to see that day, and I just hope it comes soon for us,” said Sunil Chhetri to FIFA.