Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, is set to bid farewell to his international career as he prepares for his final match against Kuwait in Kolkata. Chhetri, with 94 goals in 150 appearances, is among the top international goal-scorers in the world, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi. India, currently in second place in their group behind Qatar, has a chance to qualify for the third and final round of the 2026 World Cup with a victory.
Chhetri, who announced his retirement last month, expressed gratitude for his successful career and reflected on his journey in football. Despite facing challenges, including a failed spell in Portugal, Chhetri is proud of his accomplishments and cherishes the experiences he has gained throughout his career. With India and Afghanistan tied on points and Kuwait close behind, the race for the final qualifying spot in their group remains wide open.
Meanwhile, Palestine is on the verge of reaching the final stage of Asian World Cup qualifying for the first time. The team, amidst the conflict in Gaza, has already made history by advancing to the Asian Cup knockout phase earlier this year. Other regional powerhouses like Australia, Japan, Iran, and Uzbekistan have already secured their spots in the final round, while South Korea and China are aiming to join them.
South Korea, led by interim coach Kim Do-hoon, needs just a point from their remaining fixtures to ensure qualification. China, currently in second place in their group, faces Thailand in a crucial match that could determine their fate in the competition. China’s coach, Branko Ivankovic, is focused on overcoming challenges, including injuries and suspensions, to guide his team to the next phase of qualifying.
Australia, under the guidance of Graham Arnold, has already secured their spot in the final round with four wins. Arnold is expected to give opportunities to new talents, including Bayern Munich-bound Nestory Irankunda, to add depth to the squad. With matches against Bangladesh and Palestine coming up, Australia aims to maintain their winning streak and prepare for the challenges ahead in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
In conclusion, as Sunil Chhetri looks forward to his final international match, other Asian teams are also vying for a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. With key fixtures and tight competition in various groups, the race for qualifying spots remains intense. Each team faces unique challenges and opportunities as they strive to make history and secure their place in the prestigious tournament.
