India in Pot 4 of AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 draw; know potential opponents

India have confirmed their qualification in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after nearly two decades.

The Indian U20 women’s team broke the barrier as they achieved the qualification for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time since 2006. Joakim Alexandersson has managed to pull off this almost miraculous feat to put the Indian team on the biggest stage of Asia.

The qualifying campaign for the Young Tigresses was one to relish as the Young Tigresses weathered off challenges of varying degrees. It was not an easy ride for India as they had a slow start to the qualification round with a goalless draw against Indonesia. However, that was the only match in the qualifiers that India will look back at and feel the job was not done.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Khel Now (@khelnow)

Leaving behind the disappointing draw against Indonesia, India marched on towards a rampage as they hammered Turkmenistan 7-0. Their destiny was tied to the result of their last game against the hosts, Myanmar. The Young Tigresses kept their calm in a tight contest to edge Myanmar by one goal and book their ticket to Thailand.

In this article, we shall take a look at the pots for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers and the probable opponents that might challenge Young Tigresses in the tournament.

Also Read: India seal AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 spot for first time in 20 years

Fierce opponents in contention

India have qualified for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in a heroic fashion, but this is just the beginning of the task that is at hand. Team India will have to pull up their socks and be mentally prepared to take on some of the best sides in Asia at this level. The 12 teams that have made their way to the main tournament through the qualifiers have been divided into four pots. India have been placed in Pot 4, which also has Jordan and Bangladesh.

It is pertinent to note that the group stage of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup will have teams divided into four groups. That confirms that a group will have a team from each pot. India will have one opponent each from Pot 1,2, and 3.

Pot 1 has the hosts Thailand, North Korea, and the 6-time champions Japan. Whereas Pot 2 boasts of Australia, South Korea, and China, making it another strong pot. Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Uzbekistan have been placed in Pot 3. Pot 4 will have the most eyeballs as it has two South Asian teams in India and Bangladesh alongside Jordan.

An opportunity of a lifetime

The enormity of the qualification to the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup cannot be judged in quantitative terms. The elation can only be felt as this comes at a time when Indian Football is marred by controversies, legal battles, and various other complexities. The Young Tigresses have made the nation hope again and kept the dreams of achieving something at such a big stage alive.

However, Joakim Alexandersson will be balanced in his jubilation, as he knows the task has just begun. He has almost a year to battle-harden his girls and prepare the side for the biggest challenge of their lives. Expecting an easy contest in a tournament of this stature will be a folly, and the experienced tactician won’t be making any.

Teams like Japan, North Korea, China, and Australia would be determined to crush the opponents, putting a roadblock on their way. These teams have consistently performed well at this level, and they are strong contenders for the next edition as well.

Not just these teams, but some emerging teams like Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam would also prove to be hard nuts to crack. Alongside impeccable tactics, the Young Tigresses will also require mental toughness to soak in the pressure of the occasion and go toe-to-toe with some of the best on the continent.

AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Draw Pots

• Pot 1: Thailand, North Korea, Japan
• Pot 2: Australia, South Korea, China
• Pot 3: Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Uzbekistan
• Pot 4: Jordan, India, Bangladesh

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.