Igor Stimac’s tenure as head coach of the Indian senior men’s football team has come to an abrupt end following a series of disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Monday that they have decided to terminate Stimac’s contract, effective immediately.
Stimac, who took over the reins in 2019, was granted a contract extension just last year by the AIFF in hopes that he could guide India to greater heights on the international stage. Despite high expectations, India’s hopes of advancing further in the World Cup Qualifiers were dashed following a 1-2 loss to Qatar in the final second-round match.
“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 stated. The notice of termination was issued promptly, relieving Stimac of his duties with immediate effect.
The match against Qatar was marred by controversy, particularly surrounding the equalising goal scored by Youssef Ayman in the 73rd minute. Stimac and the Indian players were vocal about what they termed an “irregular” goal. Replay footage suggested that the ball might have gone out of play just before Ayman’s goal, but without the aid of VAR technology, the match officials allowed the goal to stand. This decision proved pivotal as Qatar, the reigning Asian champions who had already secured a place in the next round, managed to snatch victory with a late winner, sealing India’s fate and ending their World Cup dreams.
Igor Stimac, a former Croatian international who was part of the squad that reached the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup, had taken over from Stephen Constantine in 2019. Under his stewardship, India achieved several notable successes, including winning two SAFF Championships, an Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nations Series. His tenure, however, has now ended abruptly following the setback in the World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the recent frustrations, Stimac’s period in charge did see some successes and improvements in the team. The Croatian coach oversaw the emergence of several young talents and promoted a more attacking brand of football.
. However, he faced criticism over inconsistencies and perceived tactical shortcomings, especially in high-stakes matches such as the recent encounter with Qatar.
The decision to terminate Stimac’s contract was met with mixed reactions. While some fans and analysts believe it to be a necessary step to rejuvenate the team, others feel that the Croatian deserved more time to build a team capable of competing at the highest levels. “It’s disheartening to see Stimac go like this,” said a prominent Indian football analyst. “Yes, the results were disappointing, but you can’t deny that he made some positive changes during his tenure.”
The AIFF has assured that the search for a new head coach will begin immediately to ensure the team does not lose momentum ahead of other upcoming international and regional competitions. “We need someone who can align with our long-term vision for Indian football,” the AIFF President remarked. “The aim is to build a team that can consistently perform on the international stage, not just sporadically.”
As the national team looks to move on from the setback, the focus shifts to the players and their development. The federation is keen on developing a robust pipeline of talent that can sustain India’s ambitions to be a dominant force in Asian football and eventually compete more consistently on the global stage.
Looking forward, the AIFF’s plans include expanding the grassroots programs, investing in better facilities, and perhaps scouting for overseas talents of Indian origin. The objective is to create a larger pool of skilled players who can provide the necessary depth and resilience needed in international tournaments.
As of now, the Indian football fraternity awaits news on who will succeed Stimac and what strategies they will bring to steer the Blue Tigers forward. The journey to the top-tier football remains challenging, but with the right leadership and continued support, Indian football fans hope to see their team making significant strides on the world stage in the near future.
With Stimac’s exit, the focus will now shift to identifying a coach who can instill not just tactical nuance but also a winning mentality and resilience needed to navigate the often unforgiving world of international football.
