Sunil Chhetri: India Ready and Strong for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

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Sunil Chhetri, the talismanic India striker, feels his squad is "stronger" and "more prepared" than in past years to advance to the next round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers since the players have had enough of playing experience this year.

The 39-year-old Chhetri will lead India into Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 joint-qualification campaign when it plays Kuwait in the initial away encounter on Thursday.

The veteran claimed that the team's strong results versus international teams at home had given them a more settled appearance.

"I believe it is just team morale or what has happened in the last six to eight months." A large number of lads have joined the team. And that is perhaps why we are more prepared," Chhetri told AIFF on Monday.

"In addition, the World Cup qualifiers are taking place at a time when many of us have accumulated a significant amount of game time." All of this is significant." India will play matches against Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan, and the captain stated that his players might have excellent or awful performances, but the squad would not be surprised by their opponents' playing styles.

"We played Kuwait twice a few months ago, so we're more familiar with them." We've played Qatar at least three times in the previous three years, so that helps. And we've always been familiar with Afghanistan. We've had our fill of them.

"Whether we play well or poorly against these teams, we will not be surprised by the opposition." "With the exception of the away match in Kuwait, we are aware of the atmosphere for the away matches against Afghanistan and Qatar," Chhetri remarked.

Chhetri also stated that India will focus on collaboration rather than individual talent to compete with its opponents.

"Hard work, team spirit, and being together have always been important to our team." Many other teams have distinct flair and other characteristics. We are most likely not that squad. And I have no reservations about embracing that. That is why I stated that we are better equipped. "We have to show up and perform well on the pitch," he remarked.

Chhetri, on the other hand, stated that in order to replicate domestic success on foreign land, hard work and method changes would be required.

India has been undefeated in all 11 home matches this year. The run lasted over four years, with the latest defeat coming in September 2019 in Guwahati against Oman in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

"At home, we've done rather well. We haven't done so in away games. If we want to go to the next round and be among the 18 top teams in Asia, we must change our strategy. "Here, every point in every game counts because the top two teams in each group qualify," Chhetri explained.

"As a result, we must work extremely hard, beginning with the away match against Kuwait." It's a tough one. But, as I have stated, I believe we are adequately equipped, barring a few injuries. At the same time, these 18 teams will not be required to compete in the Asian Cup qualifiers. As a result, we may qualify automatically and go to the next round of World Cup qualifiers," he continued.

Chhetri will make his fourth pre-World Cup appearance for India, an Indian record. He has the most goals scored by an Indian player in World Cup qualifiers, with nine.

"Everything we've accomplished in the last four years has been done as a team effort." We are always more of a team than individuals. As a result, everyone of us must be switched on. "Take as much information as you can and be as prepared as you can," Chhetri said.

India won the ninth SAFF Championship title earlier this year after defeating Kuwait 5-4 on penalties, but Chhetri warned that playing it at home would be more difficult since the spectators would be pulling for the hosts.

"The game against Kuwait on the 16th will be a little different than the one we played at home last time." The local fans are now likely to be hostile against us. Kuwait, on the other hand, will be under pressure since, like us, they will strive to finish in the top two teams in the group. As a result, it will not be simple. We must make as few mistakes as possible because tiny mistakes may cost you a lot in these huge games," he continued.