India Seals Spot in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 After Dominant Qualifiers

It wasn’t just another football match. It wasn’t just about points, goals, or rankings. It was a defining moment—a long-awaited one—for Indian women’s football. On July 5, 2025, in the humid heat of Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Blue Tigresses etched their name in the annals of Asian football history, qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

For the first time ever, India has qualified for the Asian Cup via the traditional route, not as hosts, not by default—but through pure performance and grit.

From Underdogs to Unstoppable: India’s Journey Through Group B

Under head coach Crispin Chhetri, India topped Group B with a flawless 4‑0‑0 record—scoring 24 goals and conceding just one. This milestone signals a new era for women’s football in India, offering a platform en route to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

Heading into the qualifiers, not many saw India as favourites. Group B featured higher-ranked Thailand, a passionate Iraq side, and two hungry teams in Timor-Leste and Mongolia. But the Indian women turned doubt into dominance.

India 13–0 Mongolia (June 23)

The opening match was nothing short of a goal-fest. It took only eight minutes for Sangita Basfore to score the opener—and then the floodgates opened. Pyari Xaxa scored five goals in a dazzling display, while Soumya Guguloth and others joined the party. A 13–0 win isn’t just a result—it’s a declaration. Full match report here.

India 4–0 Timor-Leste (June 29)

Game two saw India carry that confidence forward. Manisha Kalyan stepped up with a brace, and the team once again controlled every inch of the pitch. While the goals came less frequently than against Mongolia, this was a professional, mature display. See the full story on Khel Now.

India 5–0 Iraq (July 2)

If the earlier wins weren’t enough, India’s win over Iraq all but sealed their intent. With goals from Basfore, Kalyan, Karthika Angamuthu, Nirmala Devi, and Ratanbala Devi, the Blue Tigresses showed that they weren’t here to participate—they were here to conquer. Match details from AIFF.

India 2–1 Thailand (July 5)

This was the real test. Thailand, playing at home, were seen as the favourites. But Sangita Basfore—India’s heartbeat throughout the campaign—rose again to the occasion, scoring both goals to silence the home crowd and secure qualification. The 2–1 victory was hard-fought, emotional, and richly deserved. Read Deccan Chronicle’s match piece.

Tactical Analysis & Standout Players

This campaign was more than a team effort—it was a collective rise. Yet, some names stood out.

• Sangita Basfore was a midfield general and a goalscoring machine, ending with 7 goals—including match-winners against both Mongolia and Thailand.

• Manisha Kalyan brought pace, power, and precision, adding goals and creativity to India’s left flank.

• Pyari Xaxa’s 5-goal performance in the opener made her an overnight star.

• Goalkeeper Shreya Hooda and the backline deserve special mention too, conceding just one goal in four matches.

More than individuals, this was a statement of unity—a generation that refused to be overlooked.

Why This Qualification Matters?

India last played in the Asian Cup in 2022 as hosts but had to withdraw mid-tournament due to a COVID outbreak in the camp. Before that, they hadn’t featured since 2003. TheNewIndianExpress

Now, for the first time in decades, they’ve qualified on merit—a sign that Indian women’s football is no longer content watching from the sidelines.

With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 acting as a qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, India’s path to the global stage is clearer than ever before.

Also, it will affect their weak international calendar and give them more visibility. Read this article

What’s Next?

India will now prepare for the main event in Australia in early 2026, where they will face the best of Asia—powerhouses like Japan, China, South Korea, and Australia.

The team’s preparation will be critical. Investment, friendlies, infrastructure, and support from AIFF and the government must now follow this momentum.

Final Thoughts

India’s emphatic triumph in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers—featuring several record-setting performances—marks a turning point for women’s football in the nation. The Blue Tigresses have not only earned continental recognition but also reignited hopes for a first-ever World Cup appearance. As they prepare for the Australian Finals, India carry the nation’s aspirations on their shoulders—and there’s a real reason to feel optimistic.

These women—many from small towns, fighting social norms, playing with limited support—have made India proud. The road ahead is long, but the direction is right.

The Blue Tigresses are not just participants anymore. They are contenders. They are dreamers. And now, they are qualifiers.