Kuala Lumpur — India women’s national football team are preparing to make a powerful statement at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after sealing automatic qualification for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Ranked 67th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, India will be making their 10th appearance at the continental showpiece. The team’s best performances came in 1980 and 1983 when they finished as runners-up. Their most recent campaign in 2022 ended in disappointment after they were forced to withdraw while hosting the tournament.
Determined to return stronger, India delivered a flawless run in the Qualifiers, finishing top of Group B with a perfect 12 points. The Blue Tigresses began with an emphatic 13-0 victory over Mongolia, followed by a 4-0 win against Timor-Leste and a commanding 5-0 triumph over Iraq.
The decisive clash came against Thailand, with both sides entering the match unbeaten. India rose to the occasion, securing a crucial victory to confirm their place at Australia 2026 and underline their progress on the continental stage.
At the Finals, India have been drawn in Group C alongside Vietnam women’s national football team, Japan women’s national football team and Chinese Taipei women’s national football team. They will open their campaign against Vietnam on March 4 before facing Japan on March 7 and Chinese Taipei on March 10.
The 2026 edition will present a far sterner test, with Asia’s elite competing for continental glory and qualification to the global stage. India will head into the tournament under new leadership, with recently appointed head coach Amelia Valverde working alongside assistant Crispin Chettri, who guided the team through the successful qualification campaign.
Australia 2026 marks another important chapter for Indian women’s football. Prior to hosting the 2022 edition, their last appearance at the Finals was in 2003. Now, with renewed belief and momentum from a dominant qualifying run, the Blue Tigresses aim to compete strongly and push for a place in the knockout rounds.
