Robin Singh: Cape Verde’s Success Proves Size Doesn’t Matter For Soccer Glory

NEW DELHI – Former India striker Robin Singh believes India’s long-standing FIFA World Cup dream can become a reality if the country draws inspiration from emerging football nations like Cape Verde while adopting Japan’s long-term approach to player development and infrastructure.

Robin, who is part of Zee5’s FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel, said the performances of smaller nations at the FIFA World Cup show that belief, planning and sustained investment can help bridge the gap with football’s traditional powerhouses.

“I think the gap between the so-called big boys of the tournament and the rest is closing. When you look at the Asian teams, the organization and work ethic they’ve shown, and then you look at the stories that Cape Verde have created, it tells you that if you believe in it, it’s not impossible. That’s a leaf that India can also take out of their book. If you want to chase a dream and have the right people, we can chase it,” Robin said.

While acknowledging the progress made by Asian nations, the former India international said India’s immediate priority should be establishing itself among Asia’s leading teams before focusing on World Cup qualification.

“Every time we speak about India playing at the World Cup, I always say conquering Asia is far more important. Japan showed us that the gap is closing,” he said.

Robin pointed to Japan’s long-term football vision as a model India could emulate, citing its investment in youth development, infrastructure and football culture.

“Japan had a Mission 100 World Cup, which later became Mission 50 because they were progressing so brilliantly. It wasn’t just about playing at the World Cup. They even created an anime to inspire young people to fall in love with football. That’s the kind of atmosphere a country needs to create,” he said.

“It is not going to be that you wake up every three years and say, ‘I want to play the World Cup tomorrow.’ It doesn’t happen like that. It may not be this team or the next one, but you have to create players and build infrastructure for the future,” he said.

“When you look at Cape Verde, it shows that the size of a nation is not important. The gap is closing. Either you’re moving with that gap, or you’re left behind. If India wants to play at the World Cup, it has to have that aim, that vision, and keep working towards it,” he added. (IANS)