IND Vs KUW, FIFA WC Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri's Final Game Ends In A Draw - In Pics

The talismanic Sunil Chhetri stirred up emotions in his final international outing but the Indian football team just could not rise to the occasion as it settled for a goal-less draw against Kuwait in its crucial World Cup qualifying match on Thursday, critically hurting its chances of going into the next round. An emotional Chhetri was seen sobbing after the end of the match and when he was given a guard of honour by his team-mates. He buried his head into head coach Igor Stimac's arms while crying. If India fail to beat Qatar, then Kuwait -- currently on four points -- can make it to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers if they beat Afghanistan on June 11.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 7 June 2024 10:55 am

FIFA WC 2026 qualifier: India vs Kuwait | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri acknowledges fans after his farewell match, a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata. Chhetri retires from international football as the sport's fourth highest goal-scorer.

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Sunil Chhetri felicitated at Salt Lake Stadium | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri with wife Sonam Bhattacharya and other family members being felicitated as he retires from the international football, after a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.

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Sunil Chhetri and IM Vijayan | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri being felicitated by former Indian footballer IM Vijayan as he retires from the international football, after a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.

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Sunil Chhetri acknowledges fans | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri acknowledges fans during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.

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Sunil Chhetri retires from international football | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri acknowledges fans after a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.

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Sunil Chhetri at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

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India’s captain Sunil Chhetri | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.

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Sunil Chhetri vies for the ball | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri vies for the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.

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India’s Brandon Fernandes vies for the ball | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s Brandon Fernandes vies for the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.

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Sunil Chhetri and Edmund Lalrindika vie for the ball | Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra

India’s captain Sunil Chhetri and Edmund Lalrindika vie for the ball with Kuwait's Fahad Alhajeri during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier football match between India and Kuwait, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), in Kolkata.