India’s Game Plan for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Fixtures, Format, Foes

India begins their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 journey in Australia this week, placed in a tough Group C with Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei. The tournament runs from March 1 to 21. For India, the target is simple. Get out of the group. Keep the World Cup dream alive.

Twelve teams are split into three groups. The top two from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, advance to the quarterfinals. The four semifinalists qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The losing quarterfinalists move into the playoffs for the remaining spots.

Group C Analysis

Japan are the top-ranked side in Asia and clear favourites in the group. Vietnam and Chinese Taipei are also ranked above India, which sits at world No. 67. There is very little room for error.

India’s fixtures:

1. March 4: India vs Vietnam, Perth – 4:30 pm IST

2. March 7: India vs Japan, Perth – 4:30 pm IST

3. March 10: India vs Chinese Taipei, Sydney – 2:30 pm IST

Two games in Perth before a final outing in Sydney. A positive result against Vietnam could shape the group early.

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The Road to Qualification

India sealed their spot after topping their qualification group in Thailand in June 2025. Wins over Timor-Leste, Iraq and Mongolia set up a decisive match against the hosts.

A 2-1 victory over Thailand, powered by two goals from Sangita Basfore, confirmed qualification. It stands as one of India’s strongest away performances in recent years.

Inside India’s 26 Member Squad

Head coach Amelia Valverde has named a 26-member squad blending experience with fresh faces. Six players are uncapped at the senior level. Three have crossed the 50-cap mark.

Goalkeepers:
Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Shreya Hooda, Sowmiya Narayanasamy

Defenders:
Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju Yadav, Sarita Yumnam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sushmita Lepcha, Sweety Devi Ngangbam

Midfielders:
Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore

Forwards:
Grace Dangmei, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika Prasad, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth, Karishma Shirvoikar

Anju Tamang misses out due to injury, with Karishma Shirvoikar stepping in as a replacement.

Players to Watch

Sangita Basfore anchors India’s midfield and was instrumental in the qualification win over Thailand. Grace Dangmei, the squad’s most capped player, brings stability in the middle. 

On the other hand, Manisha Kalyan adds attacking width, drawing on her overseas club exposure. Pyari Xaxa leads the line with 18 goals in 39 senior appearances.

What’s at Stake

This is not just a continental tournament. It is the first step toward the 2027 FIFA World Cup. India needs a top-three finish in the group to reach the knockouts. From there, two wins would secure a direct World Cup berth. 

With the fight the team has shown in the qualifiers, our girls have every chance of going all the way and bringing the trophy home.