India vs Qatar Head-to-Head: A Glimpse into the Rivalry Ahead of FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
As India gears up to face Qatar in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on November 21 at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha, football enthusiasts are eager to witness a clash between two formidable teams. The head-to-head (H2H) record of India vs Qatar adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming match, with memories of their last encounter lingering in the minds of fans.
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The last time these two sides faced off was in June 2021 during the World Cup Qualification AFC second-round match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. India, unfortunately, succumbed to a narrow 0-1 defeat after being reduced to 10 men early in the first half. The upcoming encounter, therefore, serves as an opportunity for the Blue Tigers to redeem themselves on home turf.
Taking a closer look at the historical H2H record, it’s evident that Qatar has had the upper hand in their recent meetings. Out of the three matches played between the two nations, Qatar emerged victorious twice, while one match ended in a draw. The encounters have been spaced over the years, showcasing the evolution of the rivalry and the growth of both teams.
The most recent encounter in June 2021 was a closely contested affair, with India putting up a resilient fight despite being a player down. The narrow margin of defeat highlighted the competitiveness of the Indian team against a side ranked higher in both the Asian and global football standings.
The overall H2H record stands at three matches, with Qatar winning two and the other ending in a draw. The history between these teams dates back to September 1996 when Qatar secured a convincing 6-0 victory over India in a FIFA World Cup Qualifying AFC match.
As India faces Qatar once again, the significance of the match extends beyond the immediate context. It is an opportunity for the Indian team to showcase their growth and development in international football. The draw against Qatar in 2019 and the narrow defeat in 2021 demonstrate India’s resilience and ability to compete at a higher level.
The Kalinga Stadium in Odisha will play host to what promises to be a thrilling encounter, and the Indian team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the passionate home support. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers in full swing, every match becomes crucial, and for India, the clash against Qatar holds the potential to shape their journey in the tournament.
Football enthusiasts and analysts alike will be closely watching how India approaches the game tactically and whether they can turn the tide in their favor. As the countdown to the match begins, expectations are high, and the H2H record serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama, adding an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming battle on the football pitch.
