The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has finalized the 26-member Indian women’s senior squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. The squad includes eight experienced players from previous editions and introduces six uncapped players. India, placed in Group C, will kick off their campaign against Vietnam on March 4 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium. This will be followed by matches against Japan and Chinese Taipei on March 7 and March 10, respectively.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals. The four quarterfinal winners will secure spots in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. The losing quarterfinalists will compete in play-offs for the remaining direct slots allocated to the AFC for the World Cup. The two play-off losers will get another opportunity to qualify for Brazil through the Play-off Tournament.
The squad features eight players who participated in the last Asian Cup hosted by India in 2022, including Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Shilky Devi Hemam, and Grace Dangmei. Additionally, six debutants are set to make their first appearance for India in the tournament. Grace Dangmei, with 23 goals in 91 games, holds the record for the highest number of caps and goals in the squad. Anju Tamang, at 30 years old, is the most senior player, while Shilky Devi Hemam, aged 20, is the youngest.
East Bengal FC leads in club representation with eight players in the squad, followed by Sethu FC and Sribhumi FC. Two players, Aveka Singh and Manisha Kalyan, play for clubs abroad. The squad comprises goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with Amelia Valverde serving as the head coach.
