Few events unite a continent like the football World Cup, and across Europe the build-up is already electric.

The qualifying race

From perennial heavyweights to ambitious underdogs, European sides are battling through qualifying groups, each dreaming of a place on the sport’s biggest stage.

Traditional powers will be expected to go deep, but football’s beauty lies in its surprises — and recent tournaments have shown that no result can be taken for granted.

More than a game

Beyond the pitch, the tournament drives tourism, fills stadiums and bars, and offers a rare moment of shared national feeling.

For one glorious month, the whole continent speaks the same language: football.

For Indian fans, kick-off times, streaming options and the chance to follow European stars they know from club football make the World Cup unmissable viewing.