Discover the journey of the Indian women’s national team to a historic tournament, their priorities, and the stars to watch!
For the first time in two decades, the Indian women’s national team has qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 through formal qualifications. This achievement is the result of years of development, intense preparations, and a growing passion for women’s football in the country. This time, not thanks to being the host nation, but through an impressive victory on the Asian stage, the Blue Tigresses proved their strength — defeating higher-ranked Thailand and opening a new chapter in the history of Indian football.
The tournament will be held in Australia from 1 to 21 March 2026. There, the Indian women will face the continent’s best teams, playing not only for the title but also for the right to compete at the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Let’s take a look at the road to success, preparation plans, and the players leading the Indian squad through its greatest challenges.
India’s Road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
India swept through the qualifiers, winning Group B without a loss. The start was spectacular — 13–0 against Mongolia, followed by a confident 4–0 win over Timor-Leste and another 5–0 over Iraq, confirming dominance not only in attack but also in defence. In these matches, the Indian women did not concede a single goal.
The decisive moment of the qualifiers came in the crucial match against Thailand at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai. Both teams had the same number of points and an identical goal difference, so the stakes were simple: “winner takes all.” India won 2–1 thanks to a brace from Sangita Basfore (28th and 74th minute). Thailand responded once but could not catch up — thus a historic barrier was broken, as this was India’s first-ever win over Thailand in women’s football. The Blue Tigresses secured their place in the tournament and ended two decades without qualifying on merit.
Tournament: Format and Main Objectives
Key features of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026:
- The final tournament will feature 12 teams competing at stadiums in Perth, Gold Coast, and Sydney.
- The competition will serve as the final stage of Asian qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 (top six qualify), and the quarterfinalists will continue to fight for a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games.
- Each squad may include 18–23 players (at least three goalkeepers).
- The official draw will be held on 29 July 2025 in Sydney, with seeding based on the current FIFA rankings.
Organisers emphasise not only competition — the AFC Women’s Asian Cup aims to be a driving force to promote women’s football in Asia and Oceania, increasing its visibility, popularity, and sporting level throughout the region.
Main tournament venues:
| City | Stadiums | Additional attractions |
| Perth | Perth Stadium, Perth Rectangular Stadium | Wineries, zoo, rich cultural and leisure offerings |
| Gold Coast | Gold Coast Stadium | Stunning beaches, theme parks, local culture |
| Sydney | Western Sydney Stadium, Stadium Australia | Sydney Opera House, city skyline, vibrant urban life |
India’s Preparations: Plan, Ambitions, and Challenges
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has drawn up a detailed plan to ensure the team is ready for every challenge. The result is the most solid preparation programme in the history of the women’s national team.
Main points of preparation:
- The Indian Women’s League (IWL) will start as early as September 2025 — much earlier than usual. This will ensure each player gets around 14 official league matches before January 2026.
- An U20 team will join the league competition so that top talents can gain experience against senior teams.
- The national squad will undergo 83 days of preparation divided into three main stages, including 10–12 international friendlies and an additional 5–7 matches against domestic sides.
- Each player will play around 30 matches between August and February (including league, friendly matches, and training camps).
- The Rajmata Jijabai Trophy, the national championship, has been moved to after the tournament to avoid disrupting the national team’s preparations.
Coach Crispin Chhetri emphasises: “We have to play at high intensity every day. Only by raising match standards will the players be ready to compete with the best in Asia.”
Challenges the team faces:
- Coordinating the IWL schedule with training camps — crucial to ensure every player gets at least one month of preparation with the coaching staff.
- Rapidly transforming from a promising team into a real contender against Asian powerhouses.
- Cooperation between AIFF and clubs to ensure all national team leaders are available for key training camps.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey stresses that “this is a historic opportunity and a national priority. We are doing everything to take our national team to the top.”
Key Stars of the Indian National Team
Sangita Basfore
Midfielder and team captain, often called the “engine of the midfield.” Under Sangita’s leadership, the squad qualified for the tournament after a series of victories, and her goals against Thailand sparked euphoria at the stadium and across India. Opponents and coaches alike point out that Basfore’s experience and determination are the foundation of the team.
“For me, representing India is not just about playing – it’s a responsibility towards girls across the country. That’s why I always give my all, both for club and country,” she told The Hindu (June 2025).
In the 2024 Indian Women’s League, she captained Odisha FC Women as vice-captain, contributing both to creativity in attack and solidity in defence.
Manisha Kalyan
A fan favourite, a winger with incredible pace and dribbling skills, widely regarded as a world-class talent. In 2025, she scored crucial goals and provided key assists in qualifying matches, being a real spark in the attack. Manisha also developed further through playing for the renowned Turkish club Fatih Karagümrük SK, where she earned a regular spot in the starting eleven.
“I’m proud to represent India on the international stage as well. Every match gives me motivation to keep working hard and helping the team achieve even better results,” she told the Times of India (March 2025).
Fatih Karagümrük SK’s coach has no doubts: “Manisha is an incredibly talented player — her speed and creativity are invaluable. She’s a model of commitment and determination.”
Favourites and the Dark Horse of the Tournament
Top favourites: China, South Korea, Japan
- China – the most decorated team in AFC Women’s Asian Cup history, defending champions, nine-time winners. Known for high pressing and quick counterattacks.
- South Korea – winners of the EAFF 2025, showing excellent form and team development across all lines.
- Japan – a traditional powerhouse and regular finalist in major tournaments, with numerous successes in both Asia and the world.
They are considered the main contenders for gold, but the history of women’s football has seen more than one tournament surprise!
Potential dark horse: India
Qualification earned on the pitch, increasingly better training infrastructure, and AIFF’s bold plans make India capable of surprising the favourites. The preparation plan includes up to 30 matches for key players before the tournament — this experience could allow the team to show its full potential.
With fighting spirit and exceptional commitment, the Blue Tigresses take to the field not only carrying the dreams of an entire nation but also with a chance to elevate Indian women’s football to the world stage.
Summary
India’s return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is the result of years of perseverance, strategic development, and the determination of women who gave their all. Players like Sangita Basfore and Manisha Kalyan inspire an entire generation of young girls, proving that the beauty of women’s football is becoming increasingly visible on the Asian (and global) stage. Will the Blue Tigresses fight for more than just participation? Soon we will find out whether India will break new barriers — and do it in the most spectacular football style.
