The Indian senior women’s football team has landed in Nairobi with renewed purpose and a fresh direction, as they gear up for the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya. The tournament not only marks an important international window for the Blue Tigresses but also signals the return of Crispin Chettri as head coach, ushering in a new chapter for the national side.
India will take on hosts Kenya in the second semi-final on April 11 at the Nyayo National Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 20:30 IST. Earlier in the day, Australia will face Malawi in the first semi-final. The winners of both matches will advance to the final on April 15, while the losing teams will compete for third place, ensuring all four sides gain competitive match exposure during the series.
Chettri, reinstated as head coach after a brief transition period, has announced a balanced 22-member squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent. His return comes at a crucial time, especially after India’s recent challenges on the continental stage and the need to rebuild momentum ahead of future competitions.
Joining him in the coaching setup is Sujata Kar, the 2025 AIFF Women’s Coach of the Year, who takes on the role of assistant coach. Fysal K Bapu has been appointed as the goalkeeping coach, completing a support staff that aims to strengthen both tactical and technical aspects of the team. The squad composition reflects depth across all departments. The goalkeeping unit includes Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, and Shreya Hooda.
In defence, key players such as Astam Oraon, Martina Thokchom, and Sarita Yumnam will be tasked with maintaining stability at the back. The midfield features creative and dynamic options like Priyangka Devi Naorem, Shilky Devi Hemam, and Sanfida Nongrum, while the attack will be led by forwards Karishma Shirvoikar, Pyari Xaxa, and Lynda Kom Serto.
The FIFA Series presents a valuable opportunity for India to experiment with combinations, build cohesion, and test themselves against diverse international opponents, all within a single venue setup in Nairobi.
However, the final tournament proved challenging. India faced tough opposition in the group stage and were unable to convert performances into results, exiting the competition without points after consecutive defeats . Despite the setback, there were positives, including moments of individual brilliance and a growing belief that the team can compete at higher levels with the right tactical approach and exposure.
The return of Chettri is expected to bring continuity and clarity, especially given his familiarity with the squad and his role in their qualification campaign. His focus will likely be on refining tactical discipline, improving game management, and enhancing attacking efficiency, areas that proved decisive in the Asian Cup. Beyond immediate results, the larger objective remains long-term growth. The inclusion of young talents alongside established names signals a transitional phase, where India aims to build a squad capable of consistently performing on the continental and global stage.
The Nairobi assignment, therefore, is more than just a short tournament, it is a stepping stone. With structured preparation, renewed leadership, and lessons learned from the Asian Cup, the Blue Tigresses will look to turn potential into performance and lay the foundation for a stronger future in international women’s football.
India’s squad for FIFA Series 2026 Kenya:
Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, Shreya Hooda.
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sarita Yumnam.
Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Shilky Devi Hemam.
Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar.
Head coach: Crispin Chettri
Assistant coach: Sujata Kar
Goalkeeping coach: Fysal K Bapu
FIFA Series 2026 Kenya Match Schedule:
Semi-final 1 – 16:30 IST, April 11: Australia vs Malawi
Semi-final 2 – 20:30 IST, April 11: Kenya vs India
Third-place match – 16:30 IST, April 15
Final – 20:30 IST, April 15
