In a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against defending Asian champions Qatar at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India faced a challenging match, resulting in a 0-3 defeat. India's coach, Igor Stimac, made significant changes to the lineup, including benching goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, a decision that stirred debate. The alterations led to a lack of coordination, particularly in defence, and Qatar capitalized on the situation, securing a convincing victory.

Despite India's attempts to display attacking flair, the defensive adjustments, including the introduction of Amrinder Singh, weakened the team's stability. Qatar, coming off an 8-1 win against Afghanistan, took an early lead as chaotic defending allowed Mostafa Meshaal to find the net. India struggled to counter Qatar's attacking prowess, and the defensive changes made by Stimac did not yield the desired results.

The defensive frailties continued in the second half, with Qatar's Almoez doubling the lead early on. Despite some glimpses of offensive potential from India, including a promising move involving Thapa and Udanta, the team failed to convert opportunities. Stimac's strategic changes, including bringing in Mahesh and Sahal, brought improved coordination, but India couldn't overcome Qatar's lead.

While the final scoreline read 0-3, Stimac acknowledged that the defeat could have been more significant if Qatar had converted more chances. The match served not only as a World Cup qualifier but also as a challenging preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in January, where India anticipates similar tough tests. The decision to bench key players raised questions about India's defensive resilience, prompting a critical evaluation of the team's strategy for future competitions.