The Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac will have a litmus test as the Blue Tigers face Kuwait in a crucial World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match on June 6 in Kolkata.
The Salt Lake Stadium will not just witness a massive India encounter, but also be the swansong for India's captain fantastic Sunil Chhetri, who will hang his boot from international football in the match.

Amid the multifaceted narratives, the most important is going to be how India fares against Kuwait. After two horrible results against Afghanistan, India's qualification hopes for the next stage depends on this stage. With Qatar away coming up, the home match against Kuwait is India's final realistic hope of getting some invaluable points on board.
Although the Blue Tigers won away against Kuwait, Igor Stimac knows it will be a tough encounter in Kolkata and thus wants the crowd to come in full numbers and support the Blue Tigers. Kolkata has been the abode of Indian football, and the crowd is passionate about the game. Stimac wants the supporters to be in full throttle in the monumental match, which will define the dynamics of Indian football big time.
"Having in mind the importance of the game - with us being perhaps only a win away from qualifying for the third round for the first time, and it being Sunil Chhetri's farewell game - we expect the Salt Lake Stadium to be packed. I am sure that our supporters will reach Kolkata from all parts of India to help our boys win the game and say thanks and goodbye to Sunil. I am very confident it's going to be emotional and hopefully, we will find a way to celebrate together after the final whistle," Stimac said to AIFF.
Team India will travel to Kolkata on May 29 after the conclusion of the training camp in Bhubaneswar.