Igor Stimac could be sacked after Afghanistan shock India
He is the head coach of the Indian side
Indian football team’s head coach Igor Stimac could be sacked after his side’s stunning defeat at the hands of Afghanistan during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Tuesday.
According to a report by Telegraph India, the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is of the view that Igor Stimac should not continue as the head coach.
The IM Vijayan-headed technical committee also had a meeting on Thursday to discuss the matter. Meanwhile, the AIFF’s top officials will have another meeting on Friday to deliberate on the committee’s recommendations.
“A senior official said the AIFF is going through Stimac’s contract paper to determine if the Croat’s sacking can be done amicably,” the report added.
Afghanistan stunned India 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, as Sharif Mukhammad’s late penalty became the difference between the two teams.
India’s legend, Sunil Chhetri scored his record 94th international goal in his 150th match for the Blues but that couldn’t be enough as Rahmat Akbari found the back of the net in the 70th minute to equalise the game which eventually led to a victory by Mukhammad’s late penalty.
However, as soon as Chettri was substituted in the second half, it looked like India had lost the leader who was keeping the team together as they conceded both goals inside the last 30 minutes.
Despite grabbing a lead, India couldn’t take control of the match which gave a massive blow to their World Cup dreams.
India’s head coach Igor Stimac's choice of Lalengmawia Ralte, Brandon Fernandes and Jeakson Singh didn’t pay as the Blues failed to hold the ball for the majority of the match.
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