India earn top FIFA seat, eye 2026 World Cup

India's performances in the AFC Asian Cup caught the attention of the football world in January

New Delhi: After All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel's inclusion in the powerful FIFA Council as AFC representative, India set their sights on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Patel is one of the six Asian delegates elected to the FIFA Executive Council at the Asian Football Confederation Congress (AFC) on Saturday.

Following his election to FIFA, Patel said that World Cup qualification is the next big step for India. India put impressive performances in recent years.

India's performances in the AFC Asian Cup caught the attention of the football world in January, where they returned to the tournament after eight years. India defeated Thailand 4-1 while lost to UAE and Bahrain 2-0 and 1-0 after putting up great fights. "I personally feel that among all the countries in Asia there is tremendous goodwill for India, and (also) China should be much more involved in the game and also the AFC and FIFA," Patel said in Kuala Lumpur.\

"We should be putting our best efforts to make sure that the Indian team qualifies in 2026 for the World Cup," he added.

Meanwhile, AIFF is also looking for a new coach after the Englishman Stephen Constantine quit his job following India's group stage exit after the last-minute defeat to Bahrain.