Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal coach and the Chief of Global Football Development at FIFA is currently in India.
On Monday, November 20, 2023, he visited the Football House, engaging with leaders of selected football academies nationwide.
Bet here on India vs Qatar and other football matches!
During this visit, he had extensive discussions with AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Acting Secretary General Satyanarayan M on the blueprint to take Indian football to new heights.
Why is Arsene Wenger in India?
The primary focus of the discussions was on the establishment of the AIFF-FIFA Academy and the overall youth development initiative in India. Wenger, along with his team from the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, is on a three-day visit, which will culminate in the inauguration of the AIFF-FIFA Academy in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
The ongoing collaboration with FIFA and Wenger's involvement is anticipated to significantly contribute to the success of India's Talent Development Scheme.
MORE: India vs Qatar, 2026 World Cup qualifiers: TV channel, telecast and live stream details
What is Arsene Wenger's schedule in India?
Wenger will inaugurate the AIFF-FIFA Academy in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday and also attend the India vs Qatar FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
What did Arsene Wenger say about India's football potential?
Wenger remains confident that India will be a football powerhouse in the near future. With the right planning and infrastructure, Wenger believes that the Men in Blue will emerge as one of the new powerhouses in Asian football in the next decade.
"I would say I was always fascinated by India. My target is to improve football in the world. And it is impossible that a country like India, 1.4 billion, is not on the football world map," Wenger said.
"I believe you have huge assets, fantastic qualities that make me very optimistic about what you can do here. It is absolutely fantastic to have that opportunity. And with my team, we are really highly motivated to help this country develop in the game.
"I'm convinced that it's possible in the very short term." Wenger emphasised on how a well-oriented talent development scheme can change the face of the game in a country. I was in Japan at the start of their football in 1995. In 1998, they were at the World Cup. So that means it is possible. You have to start early."
What is the Arsene Wenger way of doing things?
Wenger revealed that India must work on the grassroots and nurture young talent to flourish at the top level.
"What will football be like in 2030? How can we imagine what our needed quality is in 2030? But what is for sure, is where we start with technique. Football is a technical sport. We have to equip the players from five to 15 with the best possible capacity to be technically at the top.
"That means, basically, to make it simple, is to make the ball his friend. The rest can be developed later. And this is absolutely vital.
"So, this is where we have to start and that's where we want to help people to make young players technically perfect. The start of our programme is to identify the talent and then put the best talents together," he said.
When is India vs Qatar World Cup qualifier?
The India vs Qatar 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, November 21, at 07:00 p.m. IST.
Where is India vs Qatar World Cup qualifier?
The match will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
What is the head-to-head record between India and Qatar?
India is yet to register a win against Qatar. Of the three matches they have played against the West Asian country so far, India has lost 2 and drawn one. Here's a detailed Head-to-head record:
| Date | Tournament | Scoreline |
| 27/09/1997 | FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC | Qatar 6-0 India |
| 10/09/2019 | FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC | Qatar 0-0 India |
| 03/06/2021 | FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC | India 0-1 Qatar |
Where to watch India vs Qatar on television?
The India vs Qatar 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match will broadcast live on Sports18 1, Sports 18 1HD, and Sports18 3.
Where to watch India vs Qatar online and live stream?
The live streaming of the India vs Qatar 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match will be available on the Jio Cinema app.
Ready to make your predictions for India vs Qatar? To find all the latest odds, betting and cricket scores and fixtures from India click here
