Kolkata, March 3: The Indian senior women’s national team is set to kick off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 with opener under new head coach Amelia Valverde, against Vietnam women’s national football team tomorrow, at the Perth Rectangular Stadium from 4:30 PM.
For the Blue Tigresses, this tournament is more than just another continental competition, it is redemption. Their World Cup dream had come to a painful halt during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, when the team was forced to withdraw under unfortunate circumstances.
Last year, India responded in the best possible way on the pitch. With a commanding qualifying campaign, the Blue Tigresses secured their place in Australia on merit for the first time in history marking a new chapter.
In the 2026 edition twelve nations are battling not only for continental glory but also for a pathway to the global stage.
The four semi-finalists will earn direct qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. Two of the four losing quarter-finalists will compete for the remaining direct spots from Asia, while the other two will advance to the Play-off Tournament, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Just a day before starting their campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, the Indian women’s team faced an unexpected issue off the field, the jerseys sent by the All India Football Federation did not fit most of the players, as they were reportedly made for age-group teams. Because of this, the squad had to quickly arrange playing kits locally in Australia. In a letter to the federation, the players said the mistake affected their morale and disturbed their focus ahead of such an important tournament.
India’s Group C fixtures:
Wednesday, 4 March, Vietnam vs India,16:30 IST, Perth Rectangular Stadium
Saturday, 7 March, India vs Japan, 16:30 IST, Perth Rectangular Stadium
Tuesday, 10 March, India vs Chinese Taipei, 14:30 IST, Western Sydney Stadium
Indian Squad of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026:
Goalkeepers:
Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Shreya Hooda, Sowmiya Narayanasamy.
Defenders:
Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju Yadav, Sarita Yumnam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sushmita Lepcha, Sweety Devi Ngangbam.
Midfielders:
Anju Tamang, Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore.
Forwards:
Grace Dangmei, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth.
Matches will be streamed live on FanCode.
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