FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Manvir’s goal in the second half helped India defeat Kuwait in the first round of play

At the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City on Thursday, November 16, Team India began their second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Kuwait. This was their first meeting with a Middle Eastern country this year. Manvir Singh’s lone goal in the second half sealed the victory. Kuwait didn’t let the Blue Tigers off the hook easily, particularly in the first half when they held possession for the longest. However, the Indian team showed some encouraging signs, which eventually resulted in Manvir’s half-volley goal in the 75th minute after Lallianzuala Chhangte’s cross.
Kuwait maintained possession, but the Indians applied constant pressure, particularly via defender Sandesh Jhinghan, as shown by the home team’s body language. The Indian squad missed a pair of opportunities in the first half. Sahal Abdul Samad missed one in the 18th minute after being closed out in the box, while Akash Mishra missed a chance to score in the 27th minute after receiving a freekick assist.

Before India took over, Kuwait too squandered a chance to score at the conclusion of the first half and had a strong start to the second. Kuwait continued to exert pressure on the Indian squad, but they were unable to deliver the decisive blow until the 75th minute, when the Men in Orange did. The Blues made another chance in the 71st minute, but it was off target, so it was not to be.

After a 1-1 draw in the SAFF Championship earlier in July, Kuwait played some exciting but desperate football in the last minutes, but India made sure they didn’t give up a goal and won their first match against Kuwait in 2023, winning 5-4 on penalties.

At Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday, November 21, India will play Qatar in the second Group A encounter. Afghanistan, the fourth team in their group, is another match that India must face. The top two teams will guarantee a berth in the AFC Asian Cup for 2027 and advance to the third round.