26-member India squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 announced

India are set to begin their campaign against Vietnam.

The 26-member squad has been announced as the Indian senior women’s national team gear up for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Drawn in Group C, the Blue Tigresses will be aiming to make a strong statement on the continental stage against some of Asia’s toughest opponents.

Under the guidance of head coach Amelia Valverde, India will look to carry confidence, discipline and belief into the tournament.

With a blend of experience and youthful energy in the squad, the team will be determined to compete positively and make the nation proud in Australia 2026.

Indian senior women's team's 26-member squad for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 has been announced.Placed in Group C, India will begin their campaign against Vietnam on March 4 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium at 16:30 IST, followed by a meeting against Japan on March… pic.twitter.com/B8k9kAM8YT

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) February 20, 2026

India’s 26-member squad

Goalkeepers: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Shreya Hooda, Sowmiya Narayanasamy.

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

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

Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth.

India’s opponents in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026

India finds themselves in a challenging Group C at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, drawn alongside formidable opponents Vietnam, Japan and Chinese Taipei. It promises to be a stern test for the Blue Tigresses as they prepare to take on some of Asia’s strongest sides.

India will kick off their campaign against Vietnam on March 4 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium at 16:30 IST. They will then face Japan on March 7 at the same venue and time, before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Chinese Taipei on March 10 at the Western Sydney Stadium at 14:30 IST.

The stakes are high in Australia. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the quarterfinals. From there, the four winners will secure direct qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The losing quarterfinalists will battle it out in play-offs for the remaining two direct AFC spots, while the two play-off losers will still have one final opportunity to book their ticket to Brazil through the intercontinental Play-off Tournament.

India’s Coaching Staff

Head Coach:

Amelia Valverde

Other Coaches:

Crispin Chettri (Assistant Coach), Priya PV (Assistant Coach), Eli Ávila (Goalkeeping Coach), Mario Aguiar (Goalkeeping Coach), José Sánchez (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

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