As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, questions remain regarding India’s ability to establish itself as a competitive force in international football. Despite having a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India consistently underperforms and struggles to qualify for major tournaments. A recent investigation by Al Jazeera’s 101 East examines the systemic challenges hindering the growth of the sport within the country. These obstacles include a historical focus on cricket, limited grassroots development, and infrastructural deficiencies. The report delves into the organizational issues within the All India Football Federation and the impact of commercial interests. Ultimately, the program seeks to understand why a nation with such immense potential remains largely absent from the world’s biggest football competition.