Qatar, the Asian football champion, defeated India 3-0.

The Indian men’s football team’s 15-game home unbeaten streak came to an end on Tuesday when they lost 3-0 to Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers second round Group A encounter at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

India was leading at the end of the first half thanks to goals from Mustafa Meshal (4′), Almos Ali (47′), and Yusuf Abdurizag (86′) of Qatar; however, their trip was cut short by the aggressive play of the Asian champions.

India now sits second in Group A with one victory, one loss, and this defeat. Afghanistan and Kuwait are set to play their second encounter. The 15-game home winning streak came to an end with this loss.

The Indian football squad, having defeated Kuwait 1-0 the previous week, changed five players from their starting lineup.

Mustafa Meshal scored his first goal of the game in the second minute of play after winning a corner kick. The first half ended with a score of 1-0.

From that point on, Qatar controlled the match and prevented the Indian strikers from taking any chances. They were up 3–0 in the 86th minute thanks to a header from Yusuf Abdurizag.

The top two teams in the group will receive direct access to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia as well as a spot in the third qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup in North America in 2026.

Sportzlanka.com