The All India Football Federation announced on June 17th that it has sacked Igor Stimac as the
head coach of the Indian men’s national football team.
This decision came after a disappointing
campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
In their official statement, the AIFF quoted,
“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.
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.”
Igor Stimac, who took charge of the national team on May 15, 2019, experienced a tenure
marked by a blend of highs and lows, with his tactical decisions and team selections often facing criticism and debate.
Despite achieving some notable successes, such as leading India to four major honors including two SAFF Championships, one Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nations Series, his position was constantly in jeopardy this year after India’s disappointing outing at the AFC Asian Cup, where India lost all its matches without scoring any goals.
The 56-year-old Croatian had vowed to take India to the third round of the FIFA World Cup
qualifiers, a feat never achieved before by the team.
He stated unequivocally, “If I don’t take
India to the third round, I will leave, with my pride, with my honour on everything that was done here in the five years of work.”
Under Stimac’s leadership, India played a total of 53 matches, achieving a record of 19 wins, 14
draws, and 20 losses, bringing an end to an underwhelming career with the Blue Tigers.
In the aftermath of Igor Stimac’s departure, the anticipation grows as the announcement of a new
head coach looms prominently, promising a fresh chapter for the Indian national football team.
Written by Avineet
