The Indian squad for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, to be held in Australia, was announced on Friday.
India, placed in Group C, will start their campaign against Vietnam on March 4 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, followed by a meeting against Japan on March 7 at the same time and venue.
The final group stage match is against Chinese Taipei at Western Sydney Stadium on March 10.
ENTIRE TEAM
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.
COACHING STAFF
Head coach: Amelia Valverde
Assistant coach: Crispin Chettri
Assistant coach: Priya PV
Goalkeeping coach: Eli Avila
Goalkeeping coach: Mario Aguiar
Strength and Conditioning Coach: José Sanchez
The squad that will compete in Australia includes six uncapped players for India: defenders Sarita Yumnam and Sushmita Lepcha, midfielders Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum and Aveka Singh, and forward Kaviya Pakkirisamy.
Grace Dangmei is the highest capped player and top scorer in the Indian squad with 23 goals in 91 appearances. Anju Tamang, born in 1995, is the oldest player at 30 years old.
SCHEDULE
March 4 – India vs Vietnam – Perth Rectangular Stadium – 4:30 PM IST
March 7 – India vs Japan – Perth Rectangular Stadium – 4:30 PM IST
March 10 – India vs Chinese Taipei – Western Sydney Stadium – 2:30 PM IST
The top two teams from each group, together with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four winners of the quarter-finals will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil.
The losing quarter-finalists will compete in the play-offs for the two remaining direct spots allocated to the AFC for the World Cup. The two losers of the play-offs will have another chance to qualify for Brazil through the Playoff tournament.
Published on February 20, 2026
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