The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Monday the dismissal of Igor Stimac as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team. The decision comes after a disappointing performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers campaign.
In an official statement, the AIFF cited the team’s underwhelming results in the qualifiers as the primary reason for the change. The statement emphasized the need for a new head coach to guide the team forward.
Stimac, who had a distinguished playing career, including a bronze medal in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, took over as India’s head coach in May 2019. He replaced Stephen Constantine, bringing with him a wealth of experience and tactical acumen.
During his tenure, Stimac led India to notable victories, including two SAFF Championships, one Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nations Series. He even achieved the distinction of becoming the first India coach to win three trophies in a year, securing the SAFF Championship, Tri-Nations Series, and the Intercontinental Cup last year.
However, India’s recent performance in the AFC Asian Cup was underwhelming. They suffered defeats to Australia, Syria, and Uzbekistan, marking a significant setback for the team’s ambitions.
The AIFF’s decision to part ways with Stimac signals a shift in strategy as they seek a new leader to revive the team’s fortunes and guide them towards future success. The search for a new head coach is expected to begin immediately, with the AIFF aiming to find a candidate who can inspire the players and bring back the winning spirit.
