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India U20 Women's Team Lands in Thailand for Historic Asian Cup Campaign

The Indian U20 women's national football team has arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, marking their first qualification for the tournament in two decades. The squad, led by Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, will compete in Group C against Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei. The team underwent extensive preparation, including a training camp in Bengaluru and a month-long camp in Sweden featuring friendly matches. Success in the tournament offers a pathway to qualification for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland.

Key Points: India U20 Women's Football Team Arrives for AFC Asian Cup

  • Qualified after 20 years
  • Camp in Sweden & Kolkata
  • Group C with Japan, Australia
  • Top 2 advance to quarters
  • Quarterfinal winners reach FIFA U20 World Cup
2 min read

India U20 women's team arrive in Thailand with 24 probables for Asian Cup

India's U20 women's football team arrives in Thailand for the AFC Asian Cup after 20 years. Full squad, schedule, and World Cup qualification details.

"The Young Tigresses, who qualified for the Asian Cup after 20 years, will have 13 days to acclimatise - All India Football Federation"

Bangkok, March 20

The Indian U20 women's team, with 24 players, arrived in Thailand on Friday morning for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, according to the All India Football Federation.

The Young Tigresses, who qualified for the Asian Cup after 20 years, will have 13 days to acclimatise to the local conditions in Bangkok before their first Group C match against Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST.

India will then take on Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST. The AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 will be streamed live on FanCode.

The top two teams in the group and the two best third-placed teams among all three groups will make it to the quarter-finals. Further, the four quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

India, under Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, had begun their current training camp in Bengaluru in January after the conclusion of the first phase of the IWL.

Later, they had a one-month camp in Sweden, where they played five friendly matches against the senior teams of Swedish club sides. After their return from Scandinavia, the Young Tigresses continued training in Kolkata, from where they departed for the Thailand capital in the wee hours of Friday.

Alexandersson will announce the final 23-member squad closer to the tournament.

India's 24-member travelling squad to Thailand for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alka Indwar, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.

Head coach: Joakim AlexanderssonAssistant coach: Paromita SitGoalkeeping coach: Hameed KK

India's schedule at the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026:

April 2: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani)April 5: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)April 8: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Tough group with Japan and Australia, but that's what makes it exciting. The exposure in Sweden will help. Hoping for a spirited performance. At least we get to watch on FanCode!
A
Arjun K
Great to see the diversity in the squad, players from different states. The Swedish coach seems to have a good plan. My only request to AIFF: please ensure these girls get consistent support after the tournament too, not just for one event.
S
Sarah B
As a football fan living in India, this is fantastic progress for women's sports. The path to the World Cup is clear - top 4 in Asia. It's a steep climb, but the girls have earned their shot. Best of luck!
N
Nikhil C
The match timings are good for Indian viewers. Will definitely tune in. Focus should be on the Chinese Taipei match for a possible win. Japan and Australia are powerhouses, but you never know in football!
K
Kavya N
Seeing names from Manipur, Mizoram, Bengal... football truly is unifying. Jai Hind! Go girls, play with heart. The result is secondary, the fight is everything. 💪

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