As discussions around India's aspirations of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup continue, former India international Mehtab Hossain has called on the All India Football Federation to adopt a long term and scientific approach similar to the successful football development model implemented by Japan.
According to Hossain, India's football future depends not on short term solutions but on a structured development plan that focuses on grassroots football, youth academies, coaching standards, sports science, and long term player development. He believes Japan's transformation into one of Asia's strongest football nations provides an ideal blueprint for India to follow.
Japan's rise in international football has been built over several decades through systematic planning and consistent investment. Since launching its professional football structure and youth development programs, the country has become a regular participant in the FIFA World Cup and has consistently performed well in international competitions. Japanese players now compete in some of Europe's leading football leagues, further strengthening the national team.
Hossain said India should adopt a similar philosophy by building football from the grassroots level rather than focusing only on senior competitions. He stressed the importance of identifying talented players at a young age and providing them with professional coaching, modern facilities, proper nutrition, sports science support, and regular competitive matches.
The former midfielder also highlighted the need to improve coaching education across the country. Developing qualified coaches at every level of football, from schools to professional clubs, is essential for creating technically strong players capable of competing internationally. He believes consistent coaching standards will significantly improve player development.
Infrastructure was another area identified as a priority. India has witnessed improvements in football facilities over the past decade, but experts believe additional investment is required to expand access to quality training grounds, academies, sports medicine centers, and high performance facilities across the country.
Youth competitions were also emphasized as a key component of long term success. Regular domestic tournaments provide young players with valuable competitive experience while allowing coaches and selectors to monitor talent development over several years.
Football analysts point to Japan as an example of how patience and strategic planning can transform a nation's football fortunes. Rather than seeking immediate success, Japan invested in education, coaching, youth leagues, and professional club structures, producing generations of technically skilled players capable of competing at the highest international level.
India has made progress in recent years through the expansion of domestic leagues, increased youth competitions, and greater investment in football development. However, experts believe that achieving consistent success at the international level will require sustained commitment over many years rather than isolated initiatives.
The All India Football Federation has introduced several programs aimed at strengthening grassroots football, coach education, and talent identification. Continued collaboration between football authorities, clubs, state associations, educational institutions, and private organizations will be essential for accelerating the sport's growth.
With the next FIFA World Cup qualification cycle still some time away, many believe this period provides India with an opportunity to strengthen its football ecosystem and prepare for future challenges.
Mehtab Hossain concluded that qualifying for the FIFA World Cup should remain a long term national objective supported by scientific planning, disciplined execution, and continuous investment in player development. If India successfully adopts a structured football development model similar to Japan's, the country could significantly improve its chances of competing on football's biggest stage in the years ahead.