Indian football team starts training in Bhubaneswar in preparation for FIFA World Cup qualification matches

The Indian Senior Men’s National Team has kicked off their camp in Bhubaneswar in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 matches against Kuwait and Qatar. With 19 players and the coaching staff already in attendance, another 13 players are expected to join on May 15.

Unfortunately, nine players from the original list will be missing from the camp due to personal reasons and injuries. Despite this setback, the team started their training with a gym session in the morning followed by an on-pitch training session in the evening.

The Blue Tigers are gearing up to face Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 before heading to Doha to take on Qatar on June 11. Currently placed second in their group with four points from four matches, India is aiming to secure a spot in Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Among the players who have reported to the camp are goalkeepers Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Amrinder Singh, defenders Nikhil Poojary and Lalchungnunga, midfielders Suresh Singh Wangjam and Brandon Fernandes, and forwards Rahim Ali and David Lalhlansanga.

The team is looking forward to a successful camp as they prepare for the crucial upcoming matches. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress and performance on the road to the World Cup.