Around 32 days post their AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign conclusion, the Indian women’s national team is set to kick off a fresh journey with enthusiasm at the FIFA Series 2026 in Kenya. The team will play against the hosts in their first match at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday.
Despite the lingering disappointment of missing out on the knockout stage, the players are motivated by the idea that the end of one chapter marks the start of the next. Crispin Chettri, the head coach of the team, emphasized the importance of building for the future, focusing on upcoming qualifiers for major tournaments.
Chettri, who guided India to the Asian Cup last year, highlighted the team’s aspiration to reach the quarter-finals and acknowledged the current low spirits among the players. The team has been in Nairobi since April 7, engaging in rigorous training sessions to prepare for the upcoming matches in favorable weather conditions.
The FIFA Series will feature India, hosts Kenya, Malawi, and Australia, providing a competitive platform for the teams. India’s squad for the tournament reflects a blend of youth and experience, with a strategic eye on both immediate challenges and long-term development goals. The tournament not only serves as a preparation ground for upcoming championships but also offers a chance for emerging talents to shine on the international stage.
