India vs Kuwait, FIFA World Cup Qualifier In Kolkata - All You Need To Know

The qualifier venue for India Vs Kuwait has now been shifted to the city of joy. Read below.

India will now play Kuwait in Kolkata for their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier

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India Vs Kuwait: All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey has announced that the apex body for football in India has shifted the venue for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between India and Kuwait to Kolkata. The qualifer, set to be played on June 6, was initially listed to be played in Hyderabad, but as reported by Times of India, AIFF has shifted the venue on the request of the head coach of the Indian national football team, Igor Stimac.

“The (national) coach had suggested Kolkata due to home support for such a crucial game. I have assured him that if he thinks hosting the game in Kolkata will provide great home advantage, he can consider this as done. The big crowd can push us to victory,” said Igor Stimac, as reported by Times Of India.

The decision was announced during an Executive Committee meeting and Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The change of venue has come for the matter of fact that the venue of Hyderabad cannot provide the same passion and support for the sport, which the city of joy, Kolkata, can. Also, the seating capacity is much higher at the venue in Kolkata and Hyderabad was given a deadline for the development of infrastructure, but failure to meet the adequate measures have led the AIFF to take the call.

“Hyderabad has a strong football legacy, but since the Afro Asian Games (2003), the city has not hosted international football. I met the chief minister and he was happy to help with the stadium infrastructure. I am sure Hyderabad can be a good venue for India matches (in the future),” said Kalyan Chaubey.

India are currently placed at third in the group, with a win and loss in their two matches so far. The group, consisting of consecutive Asian Champions, Qatar, Kuwait, India, and Afghanistan, will see the top 2 sides directly qualify for the next round.