2022 Football World Cup Qualifiers Draw was held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday. 40 countries were divided in five pots with eight teams in each pot, according to the latest FIFA rankings. India was ranked in Pot 3. For the main event, teams will be divided in 8 groups of five, who will play each other in Home and Away format.
India are grouped alongside Asian Champions Qatar, Oman, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. In order to qualify to the next round, India will have to finish either at top of the group or hope to be among the best four runners-up.
Group E:
| Qatar | Ranked 55 |
| Oman | Ranked 86 |
| India | Ranked 101 |
| Afghanistan | Ranked 149 |
| Bangladesh | Ranked 183 |
Speaking about the World Cup Qualifier Draw, Indian Coach Igor Stimac said, “A very tough challenge. It will be an enormous challenge for our young team. We have been drawn into a very tough group.”
Indian Football team will hope to put the disappointment of recently concluded Intercontinental Cup behind them when they step out on the field for 2022 World Cup Qualifiers. The preparation camp of the Indian team will begin on 25th August. The 9-month-long event will be held from 5th September to 9th June 2020.
Fixtures:
