India’s path to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: How did Blue Tigresses qualify on merit for the first time?

After a disappointing 2022 season for India, where the country unfortunately had to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the team, the Blue Tigresses will be looking to turn heads at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, India have qualified on merit, with previous appearances coming as an invitation or hosting the competition.

India finished first in Group B of the qualifiers thanks to an unbeaten campaign, including a crucial win over Thailand. The team also defeated East Timor, Iraq and Mongolia to secure qualification.

How did India qualify for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup?

vs Mongolia: India tore Mongolia apart in its first match in the group with an astonishing 13-0 win, with striker Pyari Xaxa scoring five.

versus East Timor: India’s second match was against the island of East Timor, where they recorded a dominant 4-0 win.

vs Iraq: India continued its run of high-scoring victories with a 5-0 victory over Iraq, which featured five different goalscorers for India.

vs Thailand: India sealed their place in the tournament with a 2-1 win over 1983 champions Thailand in a hard-fought match that saw Sangita Basfore bag a brace.

Published on March 4, 2026