The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the decision to part ways with Igor Stimac on Monday, ending his tenure as the head coach of the Indian men’s football team. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Stimac’s journey with the Blue Tigers began on May 15, 2019, when he took over after the departure of Stephen Constantine. Under his leadership, India achieved notable success, securing four major titles, including two SAFF Championships, one Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nations Series. Notably, he became the first India coach to secure three trophies within a single year, claiming the SAFF Championship, Tri-Nations Series, and the Intercontinental Cup in the previous year. However, India’s performance in the AFC Asian Cup this year fell short of expectations, with losses to Australia, Syria, and Uzbekistan marking a forgettable outing. The AIFF’s decision to move on from Stimac signifies a desire to revamp the team’s strategy and approach in their pursuit of international football glory.