'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Football's biggest showdown event, The FIFA World Cup, is on its course in Russia. After three weeks full of shocks, thrills and upsets, it is left to 8 teams to battle it out amongst themselves to lift International Football's most coveted trophy. There is no question to the popularity of the sport and the World Cup in India, with loyal and devoted fans ardently supporting their teams. 'The Football Fever' spreads all over the country in the same fashion as it does on the Cup-playing countries, infact, on a larger magnitude, with houses, clubs, and community halls turning into stadiums.
However, one question which excruciatingly pains the Indian fans every four years is - 'When will India play the FIFA World Cup? ' The closest India came to play at the sporting event was back in 1950; however, 68 years down the line, are yet to make a debut at football's highest level.
Though the nation played at its first FIFA event last year, the U17 FIFA World Cup, India are yet to play a match at the senior level of the tournament. The Indian fans have been used to cheering for foreign teams for a while now, however, it might soon be a thing of the past. India may have their own team competing at the highest tier of the game, and support them from the stands.
Let's have a look at the factors strengthening India's claim for a berth in FIFA World Cup 2026:
#1 48-Team Tournament
The FIFA Council took an epoch-making decision in its meeting at Zurich on 10th January 2017, a move which would define the legacy and sporting tradition of the tournament for the upcoming decades. The Council unanimously decided to make the World Cup a 48-team tournament, which opens up an unprecedented opportunity for nations to exhibit their skills at the global level. While the move was heavily criticized by several organisations and experts associated with the sport, it turns out to be a blessing for nations to mark their presence at international football's biggest extravaganza.
On 9th May 2017, the FIFA Council approved the Confederation-wise slot allocation a couple of days before the 67th FIFA Congress, in a meeting at Bahrain. This allocation provides for an intercontinental playoff involving six teams (up from 4 in the current edition). This playoff comes apart from the Confederation-wise allocation, unlike the current system where it was included therein itself.
The number of slots for AFC (Asian Football Confederation), of which India is a part, have increased from 4.5 to 8. India has also qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2019, which will provide them with a chance to know where they stand among the best of Asia and formulate further strategies accordingly.
Thus, the inclusion of more teams and higher slots present a chance to the 'Blue Tigers' to claim their spot in the Finals.
#2 Mega-Events and the Grooming of Youngsters
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.
#3 Improvement in the Ranks
Indian Football has undergone a drastic change since the arrival of Stephen Constantine as manager in 2015. Indian team lagged behind at 171 in the FIFA Team Rankings. Even in the first tournament managed by the Englishman, a series of inconsistent performances in the World Cup Qualifiers eliminated the hopes for a berth in Russia.
However, there has a rejuvenation in the Indian side post in November 2015. The Indian team led by Sunil Chhetri, remained unbeaten in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, beating Afghanistan in the final to claim the trophy. India further secured their spot in the Asian Championship and won the Hero Tri-Nation Series. The success of the U17 World Cup coincided with the senior team, with India enjoying an unbeaten streak for a period of 20 months, winning 11 matches and drawing 2.
The coach-captain duo of Chhetri and Constantine worked wonders, as the team consistently climbed up the charts of Team Rankings. India improved its rankings by 30 spots each in 2016 and 2017, from an abysmal 171 in the start of 2015. The 'Blue Tigers' re-entered inside the top 100 in 2017, reaching a record 96th rank, their best in 20 years.
The Team continued its sublime form in 2018 and riding on the form of captain Chhetri, clinched the Intercontinental Cup, beating Kenya in the final.
Thus, the majestic performance of the team, backed by efficient support staff, the inflow of talent and financial assistance could certainly help India make its World Cup debut in 2026.
#4 The Surprise Package of the Minnows
Japan beat Colombia. Iceland drew Argentina. Defending champions Germany were ousted in the group stage by South Korea. The Tiki-Takas bowed out against the lowest ranked side of the tournament, Russia.
FIFA World Cup 2018 has essentially been an event full of surprises and upsets. While the traditional powerhouses such as Argentina, Germany and Portugal failed to impress, teams such as Senegal, Iran, Russia and Japan have ushered in a new era in their footballing history.
Japan, in particular, has been the torch-bearer for the Asian countries, with stellar performances against higher-ranked sides like Colombia and Belgium, by almost making it to the quarter-finals.
While 4 times champions Italy, 2010 runners-up Netherlands and Copa America champions Chile failed to qualify for the Finals, some of the not much fancied teams made it to the knockout stages.
Thus, meticulous planning, team efforts and mindful calculations can lead to success, even against the best in the business. Iceland, a team which was ranked 131 back in 2012, is now ranked 20 and has shocked the world with their exponential growth in International Football.
Indian team has gone from strength to strength in the past few months, and the future looks bright with a young team. Thus, a certain level of polishing in the brand of football and the Indian team can be expected to take the field in the quadrennial tournament in 2026.
#The Support of Fans
The popularity of Football in India cannot be challenged. While West Bengal and North East are the hubs of the sport, it also enjoys loads of following in Goa, Kerala, and parts of Maharashtra. India has more number of viewers of leagues such as the EPL, La Liga and Bundesliga than many established European countries put together. Now that's a big statement.
However, the problem remains there. Though fans have a frenzy over the European Clubs and can vouch for their teams, the focus on domestic and national football seems to be dwindling.
There has been a change in this scenario since the advent of ISL. The packed stadiums in the league are a testimony of this statement. The support of EPL and La Liga, as well as the experience of seasoned professionals like Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg, has been instrumental in making it the fourth biggest league in the world in terms of viewership.
In recent times, football has also attracted the focus of national icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Nita Ambani and John Abraham. Slogans like 'Future hai Football' are being raised by the sporting community.
The response of fans to Captain Sunil Chhetri's appeal augurs well for Indian Football. With the team going on to win the tournament, the Blue Tigers won the faith of supporters, something which will continue in the consequent tournaments.
Thus, with positive vibes and progressive mindset, coupled with support from the community and conducive infrastructure, India can seal a spot to showcase their talent in the American soil in 2026.
