Indian women’s football is set to witness a significant moment as the country prepares to return to the continental stage at the youth level after a long absence. With anticipation building ahead of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026, the announcement of the national squad signals not just participation, but a renewed push to establish India’s presence in Asian football’s competitive landscape.
Head coach Joakim Alexandersson has named a 23-member squad for the tournament, finalising his selections after months of structured preparation and international exposure. The Young Tigresses, as the team is popularly known, will open their campaign on April 2 against formidable opponents Japan at the Thammasat Stadium, a fixture that promises to test their readiness against one of Asia’s strongest sides. They will then take on Australia on April 5, followed by their final group-stage clash against Chinese Taipei on April 8.
This edition of the tournament carries added significance, as it marks India’s return to the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup after a gap of nearly two decades. The long wait reflects both the challenges and the gradual rebuilding of the women’s football ecosystem in the country. For the current crop of players, the tournament represents an opportunity to redefine expectations and showcase the progress made in recent years.
India’s preparations for the competition have been both extensive and strategic. The team assembled in Bangkok on March 20, allowing nearly two weeks for acclimatisation to local conditions, including weather and pitch dynamics. This early arrival underscores the importance placed on preparation, ensuring the players are physically and mentally attuned ahead of the opening match.
The final squad was trimmed from an initial travelling group of 24 players, with defender Alka Indwar narrowly missing out on selection. The decision reflects the competitive environment within the squad, where each position has been closely contested. For Alexandersson, the focus has been on assembling a balanced unit capable of adapting to different styles of play, particularly given the varied strengths of their group-stage opponents.
The journey to this point has been marked by a carefully planned build-up. Following the conclusion of the Indian Women’s League season, the squad underwent an intensive training camp in Bengaluru, laying the foundation for tactical cohesion and fitness. This was followed by a month-long exposure tour in Sweden, where the team faced senior club sides in five friendly matches. Competing against more experienced opponents provided valuable insights into the pace and physicality required at higher levels of the game.
Upon returning to India, preparations continued in Kolkata, with a focus on refining strategies and strengthening team chemistry. These phases of training and competition have been instrumental in shaping a squad that blends youthful energy with increasing tactical awareness.
The format of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup adds another layer of challenge and opportunity. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals. From there, the stakes rise significantly, as the four semi-finalists will secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Poland.
For India, this pathway presents a realistic yet demanding progress beyond the group stage and position themselves among Asia’s emerging forces.
As the Young Tigresses step onto the pitch in Thailand, they carry with them not just aspirations of success, but the hopes of a system striving to make its mark. Their return to the continental stage is a story of persistence and progress, and the coming days will reveal how far this journey can go.
India’s 23-member squad for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026:
Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu
Defenders: Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam
Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari
Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul
India’s schedule at AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026:
18:30 IST, April 2: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani)
14:30 IST, April 5: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)
14:30 IST, April 8: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)
