5 Reasons why India can qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026

#2 Mega-Events and the Grooming of Youngsters

India played in a FIFA Tournament for the first time in 2017

2017 was a breakthrough year for Indian football. India created history by taking the field in a FIFA event for the first time and became only the fourth Asian country to host the tournament. The tournament gained immense support from FIFA, All India Football Federation (AIFF), and the Indian tournament. Goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh and the only goal scorer, midfielder Jeakson Singh Thaunaojam became household names. There was an intense renovation of the venues, with additions such as bucket stands, media rooms, and training centres being made. The investment in infrastructure was one of the major boons of the tournament for the host country.

The event also successfully attracted national and international attention on Indian football, laying stress on the fact of tapping talent at the grassroot level. This might lead to some players being invited to train in foreign academies and further playing in the clubs. Some of these football prodigies would be present in the senior national team, few years down the line. The experience of having played in a FIFA tournament would then turn out to be an asset for these players, which would not only help in qualifying but would also help in performing well at the World Cup.

The Football Fever in India continued post the U17 World Cup, with the Indian Super League (ISL) taking on. This was for the first time that ISL was being played over a span of five months. It provided a chance for the domestic pool of players to gel in with some of the international experts, both on and off the field.

These mega sporting events ensure that young talent is being nurtured and groomed, to give shape and structure to India's tryst with destiny at the highest level.