A youthful and determined Indian women’s football team has arrived in Thailand with only goal: to secure their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time in history.
The Blue Tigresses, currently ranked 70th in the FIFA rankings, are placed in Group B of the qualifiers alongside Mongolia (126), Timor Leste (158), Iraq (173), and host nation Thailand (46). All matches will be held at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, with live streaming available in India.
India’s campaign begins on June 23 against Mongolia. With subsequent matches against Timor Leste (June 29), Iraq (July 2), and Thailand (July 5), the path to the top of the group is lined with both opportunity and challenge. Only the eight group winners from the qualifiers will advance to the final tournament in Australia, scheduled for March 1–26, 2026.
India’s young squad, averaging just 23.6 years in age, symbolizes a strategic shift towards nurturing fresh talent for the future. Head coach Crispin Chettri emphasized the significance of this generation, stating, “This team is young but full of heart. They are here not just to participate but to make history.”
The last time India featured in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup was in 2022 as hosts. Unfortunately, a COVID-19 outbreak forced their withdrawal after just one match, with their results voided. The last successful qualification came back in 2003, making this edition particularly poignant.
The pressure will be highest during the final group clash against Thailand, the top-seeded team in the group and a formidable opponent. However, India’s early fixtures against lower-ranked sides provide a chance to build momentum.
The 2026 tournament in Australia will include 12 teams, with Australia (hosts), China (defending champions), Japan, and South Korea already qualified. Notably, the top six teams from the Asian Cup will also secure berths in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, adding further incentive for qualification.
India’s squad features a blend of seasoned players like Grace Dangmei, Anju Tamang, and captain Sangita Basfore alongside rising stars such as Manisha Kalyan and Shilky Devi. With this mix, India hopes to not only qualify but compete at the highest level.
As the continent’s oldest women’s football competition, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a platform for legacy. For the Blue Tigresses, the journey to etching their name in that legacy begins now.
