Sunil Chhetri’s Final International Match Ends in Draw

Sunil Chhetri’s Farewell: India’s Goalless Draw Against Kuwait in World Cup Qualifier, The International football match between India and Kuwait within the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification saw the Indian team being held to a barren draw and this was the last time that Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri represented India on the International level.

 Played in New Delhi the match was shocking with surprise elements that left the end fans and players emotional with Indian soccer icon saying goodbye to the field.

Sunil Chhetri’s Legacy and Achievements

A Storied Career: Sunil Chhetri’s International Impact

It has been an incredible journey for Chhetri as he has established himself as the fourth-highest goal scorer in international football with 94 goals and having played at Legends Football Club for 19 years. 

There is no doubt that his contribution to Indian football can be never matched; his position now is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei and Lionel Messi in terms of the goals scored. 

While the FIFA hailed Chhetri as a living legend, he bid adieu to his international soccer career on May 16, 2024.

Emotional Farewell at Salt Lake Stadium

The 34-year-old Chhetri bid adieu to international football with his last match in the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which has a seating capacity of 68,000. Mourning the demise of the legend, Indian football fans, football officials, former players and Chhetri’s family had gathered including Kharga and Sushila Chhetri parents to the legend’s wife Sonam Bhattacharya. However, the match had no goals and was filled with the atmosphere surrounding Chhetri as the fans voted his name all through the match.

Sunil Chhetri Continues with Club Football’s

Future with Bengaluru FC

While Chhetri is now retired from international football, the Indian Super League will continue to see him as a player in the latter stages of his club career for Bengaluru FC. Further, he is still under the current contract which is valid for another two years; therefore, he continues to be relevant for Indian football.

Match Highlights: India vs. Kuwait

First Half: Missed Opportunities

In the first half, both teams enjoyed early possession and cutting inside threatening, but were unable to penetrate. Kuwait’s best chance in the match came in the 4th minute but Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu could not be matched. 

India nearly opened their account in the 11th minute when Liston Colaco delivered a perfect cross that aimed at SUNIL Chhetri but was cleared by the Kuwait defence.

Debutant Jay Gupta Shines

Jay Gupta’s performance was worth the mention as it was his first international show. A good buildup, his cross on the 25th minute was an anxious moment for Kuwait but they swept it away. India’s midfield tried to push forward with the ball with the free kick in the 28th minute but failed to do so.

Second Half: Tactical Changes and Frustrations

The second half was started with the tactic changes by the Indian coach Igor Stimac who he brought changes in the players like Rahim Ali, Brandon Fernandes, and Chhetri. However, as seen, India failed to find the net during the tournament’s course.

Realising that they had been reduced to limited opportunities they increased pressure culminating in a penalty incident that was waved off in the 74th minute sparking more intrusion on the field.

Tempers Flare and Final Attempts

As for a contentious challenge on Indian debutant, Edmund conflicted into a mini-battle and they were both given the yellow cards where Edmund and Kuwait’s Sultan Alenezi were coloured. 

For India, the final moments of exhaustion and defeat came when they fumbled for the much-needed equalizing goal to Brandon Fernandes’ free-kick.

India’s World Cup Qualifying Journey

Current Standing and Upcoming Matches

As the match ended in a draw between the teams of India and Kuwait, the Indian team looks to have collected only five points through their campaign which has put their further progression into the third round of the qualifiers at a very decisive crossroads. 

Otherwise, their last qualifier match against Asian champions Qatar on June 11 will be ]crucial. Kuwait accrued four points and will play Afghanistan on the same day they will also be competing for the final three positions on the log.

Sunil Chhetri’s Debut and Final Matches

The Beginning: Debut Against Pakistan

Sunil Chhetri got his first international call on 12 June 2005 in the match against Pakistan in Quetta. 

The match was the one ending in a 1-1 draw and this match saw Chhetri find the back of the net in his maiden international appearance. 

This ministrant start indicated a brilliant future that was in store for the youthful performer.

The Final Match: A Draw to Remember

In contrast to his debut Cup match, Chhetri was blunted as India played out a goalless draw against Kuwait in the final group match of the tournament. Even though the match was played without actual goals, it was a perfect summary of how he has affected the Indian football till date.

Celebrating Sunil Chhetri’s Career

A Lap of Honor

The last team to lift the title after the final whistle was given to them and Sunil Chhetri, taking a victory lap around the Salt Lake Stadium with a banner cheering for him since the beginning of his career. 

With his hands placed on his head, he bowed down thanking everyone that was present at the venue as the fans continued to call his name, hoping and looking forward to more young Indian talents that will be produced.

Top 3 FAQs About Sunil Chhetri’s Farewell Match

1. What were the key moments of Sunil Chhetri’s final match? 

Sunil Chhetri’s last international game was a match played on March 14, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in which India and Kuwait ended at 0-0.

Some of the dramatic highs and lows of the match were the emotional send-off at Salt Lake Stedium in Kolkata, a debut by Jay Gupta, match-saving act by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

2. How did Sunil Chhetri impact Indian football? 

Sunil Chhetri who has 94 international goals to his name and has been playing Indian football for the last 19 years ranked fourth in the list of highest goal-scorers in the world. He gave Indian football a major boost to take it to the next level which was remarkable for generations to come.

3. What will Sunil Chhetri do after his international retirement? 

After retirement, Chhetri will be associated with the Club Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League for two more years thereby having his control on Indian football.