Former Captain Bhutia Calls for Major Overhaul in Indian Football Ahead of World Cup

New Delhi, July 3 – Baichung Bhutia, once the face of Indian football, told IANS that the country's chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain slim despite Asia now possessing eight direct qualification slots.

He highlighted the expansion of Asian slots from four to eight as a sign of the region’s rising standards, but warned that India has not yet caught up. Comparing India’s position with that of Japan, South Korea and Uzbekistan, Bhutia said the gap is widening and that Indian football must undergo a comprehensive transformation.

Discussing likely winners of the 2026 edition, Bhutia listed France, Spain, England and Argentina as the front‑runners, describing France as his favourite due to its well‑balanced squad and deep bench.

On the contentious VAR system, Bhutia advocated for its retention, noting that while it does not eliminate disputes entirely, it considerably reduces them. He suggested that referees should evaluate off‑side positions based on foot placement, not the whole body, to favor attacking play.

When asked about the Portugal‑Spain round‑of‑16 matchup, Bhutia expressed skepticism about Portugal’s chances, citing a lack of cohesion despite having numerous super‑stars. He speculated that this could be the final World Cup appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Predicting the tournament’s top scorer, Bhutia said that Kylian Mbappé has a strong chance of clinching the Golden Boot.

The interview underscored Bhutia’s belief that Indian football needs a massive push in youth development, coaching infrastructure, and international match experience to bridge the gap with its Asian neighbors.