Blue Tigresses Seek Fresh Start After 2022 Disappointment
More than three years after a COVID-19 outbreak disrupted their campaign in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Indian women’s football team is aiming for redemption as they begin their 2026 Asian Cup qualification journey. The Blue Tigresses will kick off their campaign against Mongolia in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Monday, setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive qualifying group.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Australia, also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. The stakes are high, and India hopes to finally end its long drought at the continental stage. The last time India featured in the main tournament was in 2003, and despite having hosted the 2022 edition, they were forced to withdraw due to the COVID-19 outbreak that hit the squad after just one match.
Group B Fixtures: Key Matches Await
Placed in Group B, India (ranked 70th by FIFA) faces a challenging but navigable path. Their fixtures include:
- vs Mongolia (Monday, June 24, 2025)
- vs Timor Leste (Saturday, June 29, 2025)
- vs Iraq (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)
- vs hosts Thailand (Saturday, July 5, 2025)
Only the group winners will advance to the final tournament in March 2026. Among the group, Thailand, ranked 46th, is the clear favourite, while Mongolia (128th), Timor Leste (158th), and Iraq (173rd) offer India new but unpredictable challenges.
Head coach Crispin Chettri emphasized the lack of data on most opponents. “We don’t have much information about Mongolia, Timor Leste, and Iraq. They haven’t played many recent matches. We do know Thailand a little better as they played Nepal twice recently,” he said.
Building Momentum: Preparation and Friendlies
India’s build-up to the qualifiers involved extensive training camps in Bengaluru beginning in early May. To further sharpen their game, India played two friendlies against Uzbekistan, narrowly losing both 0-1. Despite the results, these matches offered crucial game-time experience, especially for younger players.
“I tried different midfield combinations during these friendlies, including Sangita Basfore, Karthika Angamuthu, Ratanbala Nongmaithem, Dangmei Grace, and Anju Tamang,” Chettri revealed. “These tests were important for figuring out our best tactical setup for the qualifiers.”
Young Blood Meets Experience
Coach Chettri has named a youthful squad with an average age of 23.6 years, blending emerging talents with experienced campaigners. Rising stars like 18-year-old goalkeeper Monalisha Moirangthem have already made their debuts, while seasoned players like Dangmei Grace, Anju Tamang, and Ngangbam Sweety Devi bring leadership and stability.
“I’m not afraid to play young players in important AFC matches,” said Chettri. “This is how they gain experience. Staying together for over 45 days has built strong team chemistry. Now it’s about execution on the pitch.”
Acclimatization in Chiang Mai
Arriving in Chiang Mai a week before their first match has helped the squad adjust to the humid conditions and time zone differences. “The weather here is quite humid compared to Bengaluru, but the training ground is excellent. We’ve had four full sessions including a 90-minute intra-squad match,” Chettri noted.
Long Road Ahead: Breaking the Four-Decade Drought
India’s women’s team last celebrated significant continental success over 40 years ago, finishing runners-up in the 1980 and 1983 Asian Women’s Championship and securing a third-place finish in 1981. Since then, progress at the Asian level has been elusive, making this qualifying campaign crucial for the long-term growth of women’s football in India.
“This is more than just a qualification campaign; it’s about rebuilding confidence and setting higher benchmarks for the future,” said a spokesperson from All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Road to Australia and Beyond
With Australia set to host the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, qualification would mark a historic milestone for the Blue Tigresses and could provide a pathway to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2027.
The players, coaches, and fans are united in their optimism. As India faces Mongolia in their opening match, the focus remains on building momentum, capitalizing on their preparations, and overcoming the heartbreak of 2022.
Conclusion: A Fresh Chapter for Indian Women’s Football
The Indian women’s football team stands on the cusp of a new era. With promising young talent, seasoned leadership, and a fresh determination, the Blue Tigresses have everything to play for. Qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 would not only heal the wounds of the past but also lay the foundation for a brighter future on the global stage.
Stay updated with all fixtures and results on our detailed coverage here: India Women’s Football Team Asian Cup 2026 Fixtures.
