From roaring crowds to FIFA World Cup absence: What’s holding India back from football’s biggest stage?
Published on: June 8, 2026, 1:31 p.m. | Source: The Economic Times
India's FIFA World Cup aspirations remain distant. Despite widespread passion, the nation struggles to produce elite footballers. Experts point to a lack of structured grassroots development, inconsistent governance, and a severe coaching shortage. A long-term, transparent system is crucial for India to compete globally. Building strong foundations and integrating football into schools and universities are key steps forward.
