Sports

India and Afghanistan play to scoreless draw in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia — In a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match, India and Afghanistan ended in a 0-0 stalemate at Damac Stadium, each earning a point in the process.

Despite creating numerous attacking opportunities and delivering accurate final passes, Igor Stimac’s team could not convert their chances into goals, missing out on two vital points for advancement to Round 3 of the qualifiers.

Subhashis Bose came closest to scoring for India in a match filled with back-and-forth action, but like his teammates, he was unable to find the net, leaving India without a win despite a dominant performance.

The teams are scheduled for a rematch on Tuesday, March 26, in Guwahati, where India, buoyed by the support of the home crowd, aims to secure three points crucial for moving on to the next round of qualifiers.

India’s attackers, however, must find their goal-scoring form to ensure their team’s progression in the tournament, especially with favorable odds in the upcoming home game.