How to watch India vs Qatar in the FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers 2023

India will host Qatar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on 21st November.

How to watch India vs Qatar in the FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers 2023

2022 FIFA WC Qualifier between India and Qatar. (Image via ANI)

The Indian men’s football team faces a tough challenge against Qatar in the AFC World Cup Qualifiers on November 21st. Led by Sunil Chhetri, they aim for the 2026 World Cup. Despite a 1-0 win over Kuwait, India is gearing up for their tough challenge in 61st ranked Qatar team.

Under coach Igor Stimac, the team, with just one loss in their last 10 games, seeks another solid performance. In the second game of Group A, India looks to build on their positive start in the qualifiers.

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Either side kicked off their AFC qualifiers campaigns with wins. India won 1-0 against Kuwait while Qatar schooled Afghanistan in an 8-1 demolition. India are much behind in FIFA rankings – 99th compared to Qatar’s 61. However, a win against Kuwait meant a huge confidence boost for the Blue Tigers.

Carlos Queiroz and the Maroons will look to repeat their exploits against Afghanistan. Historically, the sides have shared the spoils in their previous meetings, with one draw and 1 win for either side in their last 3 meetings.

Expected line-ups for India vs Qatar

India is again in action after their 1-0 win against Kuwait on Thursday. They will be looking to put their best 11 on the pitch against Qatar, which was labeled “the toughest game in the group” by head coach Igor Stimac. The head coach is likely to stick to the winning formula that worked against Kuwait. Fans can expect a near-identical line-up as the one against The Blue Wave.

Manvir Singh, Akash Mishra and Sunil Chhetri
Manvir Singh, Akash Mishra, and Sunil Chhetri (Via X/@IndianFootball)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is the main goalkeeper for Igor Stimac, likely to stay in goal. Sandesh Jhingan and Nikhil Poojary will be in defense. Mehtab Singh and Anwar Ali are solid alternatives. Rahul Bheke and Akash Mishra are set to play on the flanks.

Sahal Abdul Samad will start in the midfield diamond, performing exceptionally for the Blue Tigers. Lalengmawia, Jeakson Singh, and Anirudh Thapa were used in rotation against Kuwait. Lalengmawia and Suresh Wangjam Singh are expected to stay in midfield. Sunil Chhetri will lead the attack with support from Manvir Singh and Naorem Mahesh Singh.

India expected line-up: Sandhu; Bheke, Jhingan, Poojary, Mishra; Abdul Samad, Lalengmawia, Wangjam; Chhetri, M. Singh, N.M. Singh

Qatar might change their lineup against India. Coach Carlos Queiroz wants to rotate players. While Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, and Ahmed Alaaeldin played against Afghanistan, fans may see new faces against India.

In midfield, Captain Hassan Al Haydos, Ahmed Fathy, and Mostafa Mashaal are expected to stay. Defense might see changes, with Bassam Al Rawi coming in for Pedro Miguel at left-back. Yousef Ayman should stay with Boualem Khoukhi. Homam Ahmed has been the right-back for the last 3 games and is likely to continue against India.

Qatar expected Line-up: Barsham; Ahmed, Khoukhi, Ayman, Al Rawi; Mashaal, Fathy, Al Haydos; Ali, Afif, Alaaeldin

India vs Qatar – Live streaming, where and how to watch

India set to take on Qatar in their second game in Group A of the AFC World Cup qualifiers. The game is set to happen at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Kick-off- 1:30 PM GMT & 7:00 pm IST on Tuesday, November 21st

Live telecast on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Liv App (in India).

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