Carlo Ancelotti Says India Needs Stronger Football Culture and Grassroots System

Carlo Ancelotti Says India Needs Stronger Football Culture and Grassroots System

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said India needs to develop a stronger football culture and grassroots system to consistently produce young players. Speaking ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against India in Kolkata, Ancelotti said the match would also give his team an opportunity to experience a different football environment.

Ancelotti said India has limited experience playing against top-level international opposition but described the upcoming fixture as useful for both teams. He added that developing the sport at the grassroots level would be important for building a new generation of Indian footballers.

India’s recent international results have highlighted the challenges facing the national team. The country missed out on the third round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after losing 2-1 to Qatar in June 2024. India also failed to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup after finishing third in Group C with five points from six matches.

India’s FIFA ranking has also fallen, with the team placed 138th in the ranking cited in the report. Beyond the national team, the domestic football structure has faced uncertainty, including issues surrounding the Indian Super League and its commercial and broadcasting arrangements.

Concerns have also been raised about youth development, with young Indian players receiving fewer competitive opportunities than counterparts in some established Asian football nations. Ancelotti’s comments have therefore brought renewed attention to the need for stronger grassroots programmes, youth competitions and player-development pathways in Indian football.

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Published: Sep 24, 2026

cricket blog team

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