Indian women's football team takes on Kenya in the FIFA Women's Series 2026 opener

India will face Kenya on 11th April

The Indian women’s football team returns to action as they will face off against the Kenya women’s football team in their first game of the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday (11 April 2026).

The Blue Tigresses look to bounce back strongly from their recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 setback and prove their quality against the unpredictable African side in their own yard.

The Stakes

India

The Indian women’s football team was given a reality check at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where they ended up losing all three games and conceding 16 goals against Asian giants. They did put up admirable efforts against the likes of Vietnam and Chinese Taipei but still ended up empty-handed.

However, with Crispin Chettri now back as their head coach, the Blue Tigresses look forward and upwards.

They will look to regain their winning form against the Kenya women’s football team, who are way below them in the FIFA World Rankings. India will look to torment their opponents with some stellar, fast-paced attacking football and put in a commanding performance.

A compelling win for the Blue Tigresses will definitely be the confidence booster they desperately need, but a draw or loss can further demotivate the players.

Kenya

The Kenya women’s side actually had a pretty decent year in 2025, in which they were able to secure qualification towards the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations as well. They are looking to use these upcoming matches at the FIFA Women’s Series as preparation for that major tournament and will definitely face a formidable challenge against the Indian side.

Beldine Odemba will be looking to shape her side to retain a sturdy defensive shape and work hard to make things difficult for the opponents.

She’ll also urge her players to be clinical on the transitions and set-pieces to enhance their goal-scoring chances and the chances of getting a big result.

A win for Kenya against India will be validation of their progress under Odemba, but a crushing loss can be frustrating.

Team News

The Indian women’s squad for the FIFA Women’s Series lacks a number of notable players like Manisha Kalyan, Panthoi Chanu and Sweety Devi, with the latter two picking up injuries in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Kenya should have a strong squad to participate in the upcoming matches in the FIFA Women’s Series.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever occasion that Kenya and India face off against each other in a women’s football international match.

Predicted Lineups

India (4-2-3-1)

Shreya Hooda (GK), Juli Kishan, Nirmala Devi, Shilky Devi, Martina Thokchom, Aveka Singh, Pringka Devi, Sanfida Nongrum, Karishma Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom, Pyari Xaxa

Kenya (4-2-3-1)

Annedy Kundu (GK), Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Enez Mango, Martha Amunyolete, Fasila Adhiambo, Lorna Nyarinda, Mwanalima Adam Jereko, Nglay Mukhwana, Valerie Nekesa

Players to Watchout

Pyari Xaxa (India)

Pyari Xaxa didn’t really get that many opportunities to impress for the India women’s team in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and she will be desperate to gain a prominent role under Crispin in the upcoming matches.

With the absence of multiple key players like Manisha, Pyari will be urged to step up as one of the most experienced players in this squad.

The 28-year-old, who has 18 goals for the Blue Tigresses, will look to be smart with her movement in the final third to trouble the Kenyan defenders.

While Xaxa will also look to set up things for her teammates, she will mostly be concentrated on finishing off chances diligently to help her side get a big win.

Mwanalima Adam Jereko (Kenya)

Mwanalima Adam Jereko was the star of the show for the Kenya women’s football team in their 2026 Women’s AFCON qualifiers, scoring in crucial wins over Gambia. She scored four goals in the Harambee Starlets’ final four matches of 2025 and has stepped up as a major player for her national team in recent months.

Jereko will be looking to be a leader for her side in the upcoming FIFA Women’s Series, being a proactive figure to help charge her side forward into the danger zones.

She will also look to finish off whatever chances come her way to torment the Indian side and look to help her side to a compelling win.

Did you know?

• India won five of their 11 matches under Crispin Chettri in his initial stint.
• Kenya women are winless in their last four competitive matches.
• Sanfida Nongrum scored her first goal for India in her debut in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 clash against Vietnam.

Broadcast Details

The FIFA Women’s Series match between India and Kenya will take place on Saturday, 11 April (2026) at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.

The match will kick off at 8:30 PM IST. It will be shown live on the FIFA+ platform.

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