Four years after a harrowing withdrawal, the Indian women’s football team returns to the Asian Cup imbued with renewed confidence and the prospect of a place in the World Cup.
The team will take on Vietnam in the first group stage at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday. India will also face heavyweights Japan and Chinese Taipei later in the competition.
Coach Amelia Valverde, who has previously led Costa Rica to two Women’s World Cups, will take comfort in the quality of the squad she has inherited as it has several players with overseas experience. For example, Aveka Singh plays for the Danish second division club Næstved HG, while Manisha Kalyan practices at the Peruvian top club Alianza Lima.
The duo, along with Soumya Guguloth – she previously won the Croatian Premier Division with Dinamo Zagreb – and Dangmei Grace – who previously won Uzbekistan’s top-flight title with Sevinch Karshi – will form a promising headline of Valverde’s favored 3-4-3 diamond formation.
Sangita Basfore, whose exploits took India to the tournament – she scored both goals against Thailand – will be the lynchpin in midfield. Indian Women’s League-winning East Bengal captain Sweety Devi is expected to line the defense.
FORECAST XI
Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK), Martina Thokchom, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Aveka Singh, Sangita Basfore, Grace Dangmei, Pyari Xaxa, Manisha Kalyan, Soumya Guguloth, Lynda Kom Serto
How can India qualify for the FIFA World Cup?
To qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, India will need to finish in the top two of its group (at the Asian Cup) or as one of the two best third-placed teams participating in the knockouts.
There are then three ways to secure historic World Cup qualification: secure a spot in the semi-finals, win the play-ins or triumph in the intercontinental play-offs.
What is the start time of India’s Women’s AFC Asian Cup match against Vietnam?
The Indian women will take on Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday at 4:30 PM IST.
Where can you watch India Women’s AFC Asian Cup match against Vietnam?
India vs Vietnam will be streamed live FanCode.
Published on March 4, 2026
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