After four years of setbacks, the Indian senior women’s national team is set to kick off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 campaign against Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia. Despite their World Cup hopes being dashed previously, the team’s impressive performance in last year’s qualifiers has granted them a fresh opportunity. This marks India’s first qualification for the Asian Cup based on merit.
Amelia Valverde, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian women’s team, acknowledged past disappointments but emphasized the team’s readiness for the upcoming challenge. Valverde expressed optimism, stating, “This is a new opportunity for us to represent our team in the best possible manner.”
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup offers a pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 for the top four semifinalists. Additionally, two losing quarterfinalists will have a chance to secure direct qualification from Asia, while the remaining teams will compete in a Play-off Tournament for a shot at the global stage. India, ranked 67th by FIFA, undertook a rigorous 52-day camp across three continents to prepare for the Asian Cup.
Valverde highlighted the team’s dedication and motivation, stating, “We have worked very hard in the last few weeks, and the motivation is high within the team to get the best possible result for India.” The Blue Tigresses’ preparations included training in Gurugram and Antalya before arriving in Perth for acclimatization ahead of the tournament.
Acknowledging the strength of their opponents, Valverde remained focused on showcasing India’s capabilities on the field. She emphasized the team’s commitment to competitiveness and giving their best performance. India’s captain, Sweety Devi Ngangbam, echoed the sentiment, affirming the squad’s readiness and determination to excel at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Vietnam’s head coach, Mai Đức Chung, expressed caution but optimism about his team’s prospects in the tournament. He emphasized the need for strong efforts to match formidable opponents and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the challenges ahead. India finds itself in a challenging Group C alongside former champions Japan and Chinese Taipei, with the top two teams and the best third-placed team advancing to the quarterfinals.
