Kolkata, November 13: After a two-decade-long wait, India’s Young Tigresses are all set to make a grand return to the continental stage as they gear up for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026, scheduled from April 1 to 18, 2026. The Final Draw, held in Bangkok on November 10, 2025, placed Blue Tigress in a challenging Group C alongside Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei, setting up a thrilling campaign for the nation’s brightest young talents.

This will be Blue Tigress first appearance in the competition since 2006, a monumental moment for Indian women’s football. The qualification itself was a landmark achievement, showcasing the growing promise and determination in the nation’s youth ranks. Having worked tirelessly through the qualifiers, the Young Tigresses now stand ready to face Asia’s best on one of the grandest youth stages.

Placed in Group C, India’s campaign promises high-intensity matchups:

April 1, 2026 – Japan vs India
April 5, 2026 – India vs Australia
April 9, 2026 – India vs Chinese Taipei

The group presents a true test of mettle. Japan, the six-time champions and 2024 runners-up, remain one of the continent’s most dominant forces. The reigning FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup runners-up and 2018 world champions will be Blue Tigresses opening challenge, a match that could define the tone of their campaign.

Australia, who secured third place in the previous edition, will be another tough opponent, combining physicality with tactical discipline. Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei, though exiting early in 2024, possess the ability to surprise and will likely target a revival in Thailand.

Venues and Tournament Format AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026:

The AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 will be staged across three venues — Rajamangala National Stadium (Bangkok), Thammasat Stadium (Pathum Thani), and Pathum Thani Stadium (Pathum Thani).

A total of 12 teams have been divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the quarter-finals. From there, the battle will intensify, with the four semi-finalists earning qualification for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026, where DPR Korea are the defending champions.

For Blue Tigress, this tournament isn’t just about results, it’s about progression, experience, and belief. The upcoming generation of players, nurtured through developmental programs and exposure tours, will look to translate their growth onto the Asian stage.

With the likes of Japan and Australia offering world-class opposition, the campaign will serve as a learning curve and a measure of how far Indian women’s football has come. Every minute on the pitch will be a step forward, for the players, the team, and the country.

Their return to the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup is more than just a qualification story, it’s a testament to resilience, ambition, and the steady rise of Indian women’s football. In a year where Indian football finds itself in a wavy, uncertain situation, it’s the women’s teams, across all age groups, who are making their mark, carrying the nation’s spirit forward with grit and pride.