Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac anticipates a vibrant atmosphere in Kolkata as the Blue Tigers gear up to face Kuwait in their upcoming World Cup qualifier. The match on June 6 holds significant importance for India's journey towards qualifying for the third round, serving also as a poignant occasion as it marks the final international appearance for India captain Sunil Chhetri.

Following the Kuwait encounter, Stimac's squad will face Qatar on June 11 in Doha, another pivotal fixture in their qualifying campaign.

Currently positioned second in the World Cup qualifying group, India share the same points tally with Afghanistan, who occupy the third spot. Securing a victory against Kuwait holds paramount importance as it could substantially enhance India's prospects of advancing to the third round for the first time in history.

Stimac expects to see a massive turnout of supporters from across India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan for the Kuwait match and aspires to orchestrate a fitting farewell for Chhetri.

"Having in mind the importance of the game - with us being perhaps only a win away from qualifying for the third round for the first time, and it being Sunil Chhetri's farewell game - we expect the Salt Lake Stadium to be packed. I am sure that our supporters will reach Kolkata from all parts of India to help our boys win the game and say thanks and goodbye to Sunil. I am very confident it’s going to be emotional and hopefully, we will find a way to celebrate together after the final whistle," Stimac stated in an interview with the-aiff.com.

The Indian football team commenced training earlier this month in Bhubaneswar after the end of a busy Indian Super League (ISL) season. With the showdown against Kuwait on the horizon, players are diligently honing their fitness levels in preparation for the upcoming challenge.

Stimac in May had named a provisional squad of 32 players which had been trimmed to 27 last week, who will be travelling for the game in Kolkata.

"The boys are doing well," revealed Stimac.

"It has been proven more than once that a long camp always helps us. We are working on various aspects of the game, both offensive and defensive. Our fitness levels are getting better each day, and now we enter the phase of working on our tactics. From Monday onwards, we are going to work on positioning, set pieces and transitions," the India head coach further said.