As excitement swells around the FIFA World Cup 2026, Indian football ardently grapples with systemic challenges that hinder its progress on the global stage. Gourav Roy’s ambitious road trip across the United States to attend the finals symbolizes the deep-rooted passion of Indian fans, yet stark realities confront their dreams for a national team that has yet to secure its place in the spotlight. With calls for reform echoing throughout the football community, the future of Indian football hangs delicately in the balance, as both fans and officials strive for a breakthrough amid a surge of international interest in the sport.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near its culmination, Gourav Roy, an Indian software engineer currently residing in San Francisco, undertook a remarkable journey of over 9,650 kilometers (approximately 6,000 miles) across the United States to witness both the semifinals and the final events. This endeavor represents not just a personal adventure but reflects a poignant longing to see India partake in the world’s most prestigious football tournament—an aspiration harbored by many in a country boasting a population of 1.45 billion.
However, the dream of India competing in the World Cup appears increasingly elusive due to longstanding systemic challenges. Tragically, India is currently ranked a disappointing 138th in global football rankings and has failed to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup. Roy optimistically remarked, “I’ve learned to love without expectation. That’s the burden of the Indian football fan,” highlighting the resilient spirit of supporters who continue to hold on to hope.
Despite countries with far smaller populations, such as Curacao and Cape Verde, managing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, India remains a telling case of untapped potential in one of the world’s most beloved sports. Observers point to a myriad of factors affecting the state of Indian football, including subpar youth development systems, inadequate levels of popularity, and challenges faced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in executing a coherent strategy across the diverse landscape of state associations.
Ravi Puskur, CEO of the Indian Super League club FC Goa, articulated the magnitude of reform needed, estimating that a full revival could take a complete four-year cycle coupled with an additional 20 to 25 years for the country’s footballing fortunes to improve significantly. The disconnect is evident; in a cricket-loving nation, football holds sway only in select regions like West Bengal, Goa, Kerala, Mizoram, and Manipur.
The Indian Super League, established in 2014 with significant backing from industry giant Reliance Industries, sought to grow the sport’s popularity with only limited success. The cessation of the AIFF-Reliance partnership in 2025 during negotiation stalemates over a new federation constitution has further complicated the situation, leaving the league struggling.
NorthEast United CEO Mandar Tamhane emphasizes the need for collective action among government entities, corporate players, and football clubs to uplift the country’s football scene. “The federation has to ensure that clubs, state associations, corporates, and other stakeholders work together,” he stated, advocating for a united front in the sport’s governance.
Moreover, a critical area requiring attention is youth development. Mizoram’s sports minister and AIFF executive committee member, Lalnghinglova Hmar, underscored the urgency of overhauling the youth system to better compete internationally. He drew comparisons to countries such as South Korea and Japan, where young athletes play upwards of 40 competitive matches per season—an opportunity that remains out of reach for many Indian youth players.
As India embarks on its journey to potentially host the 2036 Olympics, a proposal for a ‘sports passport’ to enable Indian-origin athletes to represent the nation is on the table, though still awaiting legal endorsement. Hmar insists on swift action for Indian football to keep pace with global advancements. “The other nations aren’t sitting idle; if we don’t match them, even if we improve, we will remain where we are,” he warned.
While prospects for reform and growth in Indian football seem challenging, fans like Roy continue to dream. “They are talking about a 64-team World Cup. It won’t gift us anything, but more places mean more hope,” he reflects, embodying the unwavering spirit that characterizes Indian football enthusiasts.
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