IND vs QAT: Qatar ended up with a 3-0 victory over India in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 2 Qualifier on Tuesday, November 21. After a terrific win against Kuwait, India lost their first international encounter at home in 2023. Even, this loss came on a vital road to FIFA World Cup qualification.
India faced a loss against Qatar in a crucial FIFA WC Qualifier
At the beginning of the game, Qatar started dominating in every department. The opponent came into the game with a very first-minute strike from Akram Afif. India’s starting XI entered into the field without a star midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad and the no.1 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Both had a great record against Qatar.
Despite having the home advantage, the hosts led by Sunil Chhetri, couldn’t score a single goal in 90 minutes. The Indian fans were not happy with what happened in Bhubaneshwar’s Kalinga Stadium. Although Star Indian midfielder Anirudh Thapa created a chance for a goal against Qatar with his sharp dribbling skills but Apuia Ralte wasted an open chance, sending his effort wide of the net.
Qatar ended the first half with a dazzling goal from Moustafa Tarek Mashal and took the lead over India. The men in blue goalkeeper Amarinder Singh tried to stop a goal from Qatar’s striker Almoez Ali in the second half, but he couldn’t and Qatar held a strong position with a 2-0 lead. India lost the game with young winger Yousuf Abdurisag scoring the third goal of the game for Qatar in the 86th minute.
India vs Qatar Match Stats
| Team Stats | India | Qatar |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 7 | 20 |
| Shots on Target | 0 | 6 |
| Goals | 0 | 3 |
| Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Passes | 363 | 416 |
| Pass accuracy | 73% | 79% |
| Fouls | 14 | 7 |
| Yellow Card | 1 | 0 |
| Red Card | 0 | 0 |
| Corners | 3 | 11 |
| Offsides | 2 | 4 |