Football in India: is there a chance for a World Cup qualification?

It might surprise most sports fans, but the facts remain solid: Indian football is doing well. Therefore, it is worth discussing the countries chances in the upcoming 2025 FIFA World Cup finals. Can India even qualify? Let’s talk about it.

The condition of ISL

To determine chances of India qualifying to the FIFA World Cup finals in 2026, it is important to understand the general condition of that particular country’s internal league. The Indian Super League (ISL), as of late 2025, is widely regarded as the premier professional football organization in India and continues to play a significant role in the development and popularization of football in the region.

Current status and structure

• The ISL features 12 clubs from across India, including well-established teams like ATK Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and Bengaluru FC.
• The league operates on a franchise model, similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket.
• The season with isl live coverage typically runs from October to March, followed by playoffs and a grand finale.

Growth and popularity of ISL

• The ISL has seen consistent growth in fan engagement, television viewership, and stadium attendance, especially in football-loving regions like Kerala, Goa, West Bengal, and the Northeast.
• Clubs have a strong social media presence and actively engage with fans, further boosting the league’s popularity.

Player quality and foreign influence

• The ISL attracts notable international players and coaches, though the focus has increasingly shifted toward developing Indian talent.
• The league has introduced regulations to ensure a balance between foreign and domestic players, encouraging the growth of homegrown stars.

Youth development and infrastructure

• Investment in youth academies and grassroots development has increased, with many ISL clubs running their own academies.
• Several clubs have upgraded their training facilities and stadiums, contributing to improved playing standards.

Financial health of Indian football

• The ISL has attracted significant commercial sponsorship, broadcasting deals, and partnerships, making it relatively stable compared to other Indian football competitions.
• However, some clubs still face financial challenges, and the league continues to seek ways to ensure long-term sustainability.

The significance of ISL

• The ISL has played a key role in raising the profile of football in India, inspiring young players and increasing the overall standard of the domestic game.
• The league has also contributed players to the Indian national team, helping raise the quality of international representation.

Challenges and criticisms

• The ISL faces ongoing challenges, including competition with cricket for attention, the need for deeper grassroots reach, and the integration of the traditional I-League system.
• Critics argue for a promotion-relegation system to strengthen the football pyramid and for more focus on long-term player development.

The Indian Super League is in a strong and stable position, recognized as the top football league in India. It has improved the quality, visibility, and commercial viability of Indian football, but still faces challenges related to grassroots growth, club sustainability, and integration with the wider football ecosystem. Its continued evolution is seen as crucial for the future of football in India.

The national team of India in the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament

India’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain slim, but they are not impossible. Here’s an overview of their situation.

Expanded World Cup format

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) receiving more qualifying spots (at least 8 direct spots, up from 4.5 previously). This theoretically increases India’s chances compared to past editions.

Current standing and recent performance of Indian national team

• As of the latest qualifiers, India has shown improvement in their performance, regularly reaching the second round of Asian qualifiers.
• However, India is still ranked outside Asia’s top football-oriented nations (such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, and Saudi Arabia), who are favourites for the automatic spots.
• India’s squad has young talents and experienced players, but the overall standard is still developing relative to Asia’s elite teams.

Obstacles

• India faces tough competition from higher-ranked Asian teams in the qualifying rounds.
• Consistency, squad depth, and experience in high-stakes matches are still areas for development.
• Historic challenges such as limited exposure to top-level international football and infrastructure gaps remain relevant.

Path to qualification

• For India to qualify, they would likely need to advance to the third and possibly fourth qualifying rounds and either secure a direct spot or a playoff berth.
• This would require a string of strong results, possibly upset victories against higher-ranked teams, and consistent performances throughout the qualifiers.

Summary

While the expanded World Cup format marginally increases India’s chances, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will still be a significant challenge given the current strength of rival Asian teams. India would need to perform at an unprecedented level in the qualifiers, but the door is more open than ever before. Indian fans remain hopeful, and any progress in the qualifiers would be seen as a major milestone for the country’s football development.