Indian football head coach Igor Stimac fired after 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier exit – WION

The decision was in making for some time now and India’s below par performance in FIFA qualifier was the final nail in coffin for Stimac’s reign.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) has fired men’s national team’s coach Igor Stimac after five years in the position. The decision comes days after India bowed out of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers following a controversial loss to Qatar.
“Noting the disappointing outcome of the Senior Men’s National Team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign, the members unanimously agreed that a new Head Coach would be best placed to take the team forward,” the AIFF statement read.
“A notice of termination has been issued to Mr. Stimac by the AIFF Secretariat, and he stands relieved of his obligations with immediate effect. The AIFF thanks Mr. Stimac for his service to the National Team and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” it further said.
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The decision was in making for some time now, and India’s below par performance in FIFA qualifier was the final nail in coffin for Stimac’s reign.
During his tenure, India played in 53 international matches, managing 19 wins, 14 draws and 20 losses. Stimac’s term started with a 3-1 loss against Curacao in 2019 and ended with a 2-1 loss against Qatar around a week ago.
India didn’t perform well at all this year, putting a question mark on Stimac’s job. The first disappointment was AFC Asian Cup in Qatar where India lost three matches. The Men in Blue conceded six goals in those three games and score none.
In FIFA qualifiers, Stimac’s team could gather only four points. The worrisome part was only two goals managed by the Indian team in those four games.
In FIFA qualifiers, India lost against Afghanistan and Qatar while managing a draw against Kuwait and Afghanistan. In last 810 minutes or nine international games, India managed to score just three goals under Stimac.
The appointment of next coach could take some time as India’s next international match is not before September later this year.

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