A Kalyan Chaubey, the president of the All India football federation (AIFF) is reportedly planning to resign after India failed to qualify in the AFC Asia cup. This would otherwise mark a dramatic twist in the management of Indian football. The departure with a shock has sparked biting criticisms, reviving past charges of poor governance, … Read more
Because of systemic issues such as poor grassroots development, infrastructure, and inconsistent domestic leagues, India remains unable to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, including the 2026 edition. The national team is weak tactically and rarely exposed to international-level competition. Cultural biases toward cricket, minimal government support, and the highly competitive Asian football environment do not help matters either. Despite the expansion of World Cup slots for Asia, India remains unprepared to capitalize. Addressing these issues requires strategic investments in infrastructure, youth programs, and domestic leagues. This article analyzes the multifaceted reasons behind India’s struggles and offers solutions for improvement.