India?began their?FIFA World Cup?2026-AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifying tournament on November 16, 2023, with an away win against Kuwait, with Manvir Singh scoring the only goal of the game in the 75th minute. Mere days after their outstanding triumph, the Blue Tigers lost the battle against?2019 Asian champions and FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar in Bhubaneswar during their second group game by three goals to nil despite putting up a valiant effort. Still in with a good chance of progressing to the next stage, India will play Afghanistan next in March 2024.?Should they finish either first or second, Igor Stimac's men will progress to the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Third Round and secure a berth in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 finals. Failure, however, will not be the end of the road for India; they will?drop into the Asian Cup Third Round Qualifying and?given another chance to advance to the continent's main event alongside 23 other teams. (Streaming?|?Football News)