AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: How should India lineup against Chinese Taipei

India prepares for last group stage match against Chinese Taipei

After a humiliating 11–0 defeat against Japan, India will look to regroup as they prepare for their final group stage match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 against Chinese Taipei.

The upcoming clash is nothing short of a do-or-die encounter for India. To keep their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals alive, the Blue Tigresses must secure a victory, and not just any win, but one by a significant margin to improve their standing in the group.

With qualification hanging in the balance, India will need a strong tactical approach and an attacking mindset when they take the field against Chinese Taipei.

Let us take a look at how India should line up for this crucial encounter.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

India could opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation for this crucial clash against Chinese Taipei in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

This system offers a good balance between attack and defense, while also allowing India to commit more players forward in search of goals.

The two holding midfielders provide defensive stability and help protect the backline, while also initiating attacks from deeper areas.

Ahead of them, the three attacking midfielders play a crucial role in creating chances, linking up with the striker, and exploiting spaces between the opposition’s defensive lines.

The lone striker leads the line and remains the primary goal threat inside the box.

For a must-win game where goal difference could prove decisive, the 4-2-3-1 formation allows India to maintain control in midfield while still having enough attacking options to push for multiple goals

Goal Keeper – Panthoi Chanu

Panthoi Chanu should continue as the first-choice goalkeeper for India. She looked solid against Vietnam, and her performance makes a strong case for starting again against Chinese Taipei.

Although she conceded 11 goals against Japan, it cannot be denied that if it was not for her, the scoreline could have been a 16-0 or a 18-0.

Left Back – Sanju Yadav

Sanju Yadav did not have the best outing in the previous matches against Vietnam and Japan and looked below average in both clashes.

However, with limited options on the bench, she is still likely to retain her place in the starting XI for India against Chinese Taipei.

Centre Back – Shilky Devi

Shilky Devi started in midfield against Vietnam but did not play any part in the last game against Japan, but now she may need to come back into defense to partner Sweety Devi at the back for better stability.

Centre Back – Sweety Devi

Sweety Devi was among the standout performers for India in the match against Vietnam. She looked off in the last match against Japan, but this is the time to step up and make a roaring comeback.

The captain is expected to start in defense once again and will lead India’s backline in the crucial clash against Chinese Taipei.

Right Back – Nirmala Devi

At right-back, Nirmala Devi is likely to start for India. Although she did not have the best outing against Vietnam and did not feature in the match against Japan, the lack of alternatives in the full-back position means her experience could still be valuable against Chinese Taipei.

Central Defensive Midfielder – Matina Thokchom

Starting Martina Thokchom as a defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 could help India add stability against Chinese Taipei.

Despite her recent struggles, this role may allow her to protect the defense and regain possession in a must-win game.

Central Defensive Midfielder – Sangita Basfore

Sangita Basfore could partner Martina Thokchom in the double pivot of a 4-2-3-1, adding extra defensive cover, midfield control, and stability against Chinese Taipei in this crucial must-win encounter.

Central Attacking Midfielder – Sanfida Nongrum

The youngster from Meghalaya, Sanfida Nongrum, deserves to start for India as the CAM in this 4-2-3-1 setup against Chinese Taipei.

She is India’s only scorer in this campaign and, despite not featuring against Japan, her pressing ability, energy, and goal threat operating just behind the striker could cause problems for the opposition defense.

Left Winger – Pyari Xaxa

Pyari Xaxa on the left-hand side brings rawness and energy to India’s attack. In a crucial clash against Chinese Taipei, she will be important not only going forward but also tracking back to help neutralize the opposition’s attacks.

Right Winger – Rimpa Haldar

On the right wing, Rimpa Haldar should start based on current form for India in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Despite options like Dangmei Grace and Soumya Guguloth, Rimpa impressed off the bench against Vietnam but surprisingly didn’t feature against Japan.

Striker – Manisha Kalyan

Up front, Manisha Kalyan could lead the line for India. With her global experience, she can combine with CAM Sanfida Nongrum, drop as a false nine to create chances for the wingers, or move into goal-scoring positions.

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