From roaring crowds to FIFA World Cup absence: What’s holding India back from football’s biggest stage?

India's FIFA World Cup aspirations remain distant. Despite widespread passion, the nation struggles to produce elite footballers. Experts point to a lack of structured grassroots development, inconsistent governance, and a severe coaching shortage. A long-term, transparent system is crucial for India to compete globally. Building strong foundations and integrating football into schools and universities are key steps forward.