AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026: Where does India stand after Australia loss?

India U-20 have now suffered back-to-back losses against Japan and Australia.

The AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup began on April 1st, with the Indian U-20 team making their first appearance in the competition in over two decades. While the youthful India team were excited about the competition, they have had a forgettable campaign thus far, as have their older colleagues.

The Indian U-20 Women’s National Team, headed by Joakim Alexandersson, has suffered back-to-back crushing defeats, losing 6-0 to Japan in the first game and 5-0 to Australia in the second.

India’s disappointing defeat to Australia

While many anticipated Australia to easily defeat India, the young Blue Tigresses’ effort and fight was disappointing. Despite their efforts to prevent the young Matildas from scoring during the first 38 minutes, Indian players’ heads collapsed after conceding a penalty.

Halmarick converted from the penalty sport, and the Australians went on to score four goals in sixteen minutes on each side of half-time.

Halmarick scored three goals while Daisy Brown and Danella Butrus added one. While the Indian players gave it their all, the disparity in skill and talents between the two teams was stark.

Where does India stand in Group C?

With yet another setback, India is at the bottom of the table, with two losses in two games and eleven goals conceded thus far. Australia is currently leading the standings after two games, with six points.

Japan and Chinese Taipei are scheduled to meet later in the day in the fourth match of Group C.

Here is how Group C points table looks after Inda’s loss against Australia

Can India U-20 still qualify for the knockouts of 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup?

India’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup are slim, with two losses in two games and eleven goals conceded in those two games.

Despite having 0 points, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh are now the two best-positioned teams to advance to the knockouts.

However, there is still a possibility for the young Blue Tigresses to go to the knockout rounds. All they have to do is win convincingly against Chinese Taipei and hope that Uzbekistan or Bangladesh settle for a draw rather than taking all three points.

While a win over Chinese Taipei offers the only conceivable option, it would be a difficult assignment that would need a high level of concentration and brilliance throughout the 90-minute game, something the Blue Tigresses have lacked all tournament.

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