Football: Why is India struggling to play the world’s most popular sport?

Author: aljazeera.comPublished on: June 13, 2026Country: India

Sports

Football: Why is India struggling to play the world’s most popular sport?

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, India, the world's most populous country, continues to struggle in football. The national team is ranked outside the top 100, and the top league is in shambles after losing its sponsor and selling media rights for a pittance. Yet the sport thrives among amateur players. 101 East explores why football in India is struggling to succeed.

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