Bhutia reportedly sees expansion as an opportunity rather than a guarantee. “Do ponto de vista de um torcedor indiano, acho que é uma medida bem-vinda ter mais seleções. Não estou dizendo que a Índia vai se classificar, mas terá uma chance melhor se aumentarem de 48 para 64”, he said.
That distinction matters. India would benefit from a wider qualification pathway, but simply adding places would not solve the gap between the country and Asia’s strongest national teams. Qualification would still demand better preparation, stronger competition and a more reliable player pathway.
The report says Bhutia pointed to Uzbekistan and Morocco as examples of nations that built momentum through regular under-17 and under-20 football before improving at senior level.
His wider argument is that India needs more children playing, better grassroots organisation and sustained investment. A World Cup place would raise the profile of Indian football, but it cannot substitute for the work required to produce international-level players.
Bhutia also reportedly believes India’s women’s team may have a more realistic path to a major tournament, particularly as the women’s World Cup expands. He has called for more teams in the Indian Women’s League, age-group competitions and stronger development programmes.
He also supports using eligible OCI and PIO players when they genuinely improve the squad. “Se não for realmente melhor do que os nossos jogadores, não há sentido”, Bhutia said.
The next test for Indian football will be whether this debate leads to reform. Whatever decides on 64 teams, India’s long-term progress will depend on what happens in academies, schools and domestic competitions.