Sunil Chhetri Focuses on Crucial FIFA Qualifier Amid Retirement Buzz

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri shifts focus to the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait from his upcoming international retirement. A win guarantees India's advancement to the third round for the first time. Chhetri urges concentration on the game rather than retirement, emphasizing the team's collective effort.

Indian football team talisman Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday firmly redirected the spotlight from his impending international retirement to the crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait. A win on Thursday would almost certainly ensure India's maiden appearance in the third round of the FIFA World Cup, scheduled for 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Chhetri, who announced last month that the match against Kuwait would be his last international appearance, emphasized the importance of the game. 'We are here only to speak about Kuwait and India,' said the seasoned striker, appealing to journalists not to focus on his retirement.

The match carries significant weight, particularly following India's unexpected 1-2 loss to Afghanistan in March. A win would place India among the top 18 teams in Asia, competing for one of the eight spots for the 2026 World Cup. Chhetri expressed his desire to see the team succeed, suggesting he would join as a fan if they progress.