Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Brazil’s national football team, has expressed strong views regarding the absence of a football culture in India. He remarked that the nation has yet to establish a grassroots programme essential for nurturing a robust talent pool of young players. This commentary was made in anticipation of the upcoming friendly match between India and Brazil, scheduled to take place in Kolkata on October 3.

During a conversation from Brisbane, Ancelotti acknowledged his excitement about visiting Kolkata, marking his first trip to India. He highlighted the significance of Brazil’s exposure to different footballing cultures while emphasising that India’s lack of experience in competing against world-class teams presents an opportunity for mutual learning for both sides. Ancelotti stated, “We have to see other nations, other cultures. India will be exciting. It’s true that India does not have a good experience (of playing world-class opponents), but it’s important for us to know how they play.”

In his statements to a news publication, he further noted, “I think it’s a problem of culture. India does not have a culture of football, but they are good in other sports.” This observation underscores the need for systematic efforts aimed at establishing a new generation of football players in India, emphasising the role of foundational development in growing the sport.

India’s Challenges in International Football

India’s troubles on the international football stage have garnered considerable attention. In June 2024, the national team was eliminated from the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after facing a 2-1 defeat against Qatar. This setback effectively dashed their hopes of reaching the third round of qualifying matches. The team subsequently struggled in the Asian Cup qualification cycle, ultimately failing to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup after finishing Group C with just five points from six matches. Their lone victory occurred in the final match, a 2-1 success against Hong Kong, while Singapore advanced as the only group qualifier.

India’s positioning in the global ranking has also declined. The most recent official FIFA ranking, released on July 20, 2026, places India at the 138th position, significantly lower than their highest ranking of 94th. This downward trend reflects broader issues within the national setup and highlights the difficulties the team faces on the international stage.

Concerns are not restricted to the national team alone; the Indian Super League has been experiencing notable instability since the termination of the All India Football Federation’s commercial partnership with Reliance in 2025. The league is yet to confirm fixtures and broadcasting arrangements for the upcoming season, exacerbated by Jamshedpur FC’s exit, which underscores the challenges confronting clubs amid the current uncertain climate.

The Need for Strengthening Youth Development

Reports have indicated that India’s youth players receive significantly fewer competitive match opportunities compared to their peers in countries like Japan and South Korea. Additionally, several states lack adequately structured youth leagues and qualified coaching staff, hindering player development. This deficiency continues to be a significant barrier to fostering a sustainable football culture in the country.

While India possesses pockets of strong interest in football, translating this enthusiasm into a stable infrastructure for producing players consistently remains a formidable challenge. The gap between India’s ambitions in football and its current international standing is becoming increasingly evident, calling for comprehensive strategies to improve the situation.

As India continues its efforts to enhance its football landscape, the engagement with top-tier teams like Brazil may serve as an impetus for change. The upcoming friendlies are viewed as vital opportunities for learning and development both for the players and the broader footballing community in India.

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