In a decisive move on Monday, the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) announced the termination of Igor Stimac’s tenure as head coach of the Indian men’s football team. This decision follows the team’s underwhelming performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The AIFF released an official statement expressing the federation’s unanimous agreement on the necessity for a leadership change.
“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,” read the statement.
It was confirmed that Stimac has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect: “A notice of termination has been issued to Mr. Stimac by the AIFF Secretariat, and he stands relieved of his obligations with immediate effect.”
Stimac was appointed as India’s head coach on May 15, 2019, succeeding Stephen Constantine. Stimac brought with him a wealth of experience and a notable playing career, including a bronze medal with Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 1998. His tenure with the Indian team, however, has been a mix of highs and lows.
Under Stimac’s guidance, India secured four significant titles. His achievements included two SAFF Championships, one Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nations Series. Stimac’s remarkable year in 2022 saw him becoming the first Indian coach to win three trophies in a single year, marking victories in the SAFF Championship, Tri-Nations Series, and the Intercontinental Cup. These accomplishments had initially bolstered hope for a successful tenure.
Despite these successes, the Indian team’s recent performances have cast a shadow over Stimac’s legacy. The team had a disappointing outing in the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year, suffering defeats against Australia, Syria, and Uzbekistan. These losses highlighted persistent issues within the squad and raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the World Cup qualifiers.
Stimac’s departure highlights the AIFF’s urgent need to address these issues and revamp the team’s strategy. As the federation embarks on the search for a new head coach, the focus will likely shift to finding a leader capable of revitalizing the team and steering it towards future successes.
The football community will now watch closely as the AIFF navigates this transitional phase. The next head coach will inherit a team with potential but in dire need of tactical overhaul and renewed motivation. This change is seen as crucial for rekindling the spirit and performance of the Blue Tigers on the international stage.
