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India's U20 Women's Football Squad Eyes World Cup Spot in Asian Cup

Indian U20 women's football team head coach Joakim Alexandersson has finalized a 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand. The team qualified for the tournament for the first time in two decades and will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage. The top performers in the tournament will earn a place in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland in 2026. The squad has prepared with extended camps in Bengaluru, Sweden, and Kolkata ahead of the competition.

Key Points: India U20 Women's Squad for AFC Asian Cup Announced

  • Squad announced for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
  • First qualification in 20 years
  • Top two advance to quarter-finals
  • Quarter-final wins secure FIFA U20 World Cup spot
2 min read

Joakim Alexandersson names India's 23-member squad for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson names India's 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand, aiming for a FIFA U20 World Cup berth.

"India, who qualified for the tournament after 20 years - AIFF Release"

New Delhi, March 30

Indian U20 women's football team head coach Joakim Alexandersson has named the Young Tigresses' 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026.

India, who qualified for the tournament after 20 years, will begin their campaign with a match against Japan (April 2 at the Thammasat Stadium), followed by Australia (April 5 at the Pathum Thani Stadium) and Chinese Taipei (April 8 at the Pathum Thani Stadium), according to a release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

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.

The Young Tigresses arrived in Bangkok on March 20, and had 13 days to acclimatise to the local conditions. The travelling contingent comprised 24 players, with defender Alka Indwar now released as Alexandersson finalised his 23-player squad for the final tournament.

India 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 before heading to the Thailand capital.

India's 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: 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 Alexandersson

Assistant coach: Paromita Sit

Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK

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

18:30 IST, April 2: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani)

14:30 IST, April 5: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)

14:30 IST, April 8: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)

Live stream: FanCode.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Great to see such a diverse squad with players from different states. Names like Lhingdeikim and Cindy Remruatpuii Colney show the reach of football beyond the metros. The future looks bright!
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Priya S
Tough group, but qualifying itself is a massive achievement. The match against Chinese Taipei will be crucial for a third-place finish. Hope they get good support from fans back home. Streaming on FanCode is convenient.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while the qualification is great, the real test is now. Japan and Australia are world-class. I hope the AIFF's planning doesn't end here. We need sustained investment in youth women's football, not just for one tournament.
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Nisha Z
So proud of these girls! The schedule is tough with back-to-back matches. Hope they have good recovery plans. All the best, Young Tigresses! Bring your A-game 💪
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Michael C
Interesting to see a Swedish head coach. Joakim Alexandersson and assistant Paromita Sit seem like a good blend of international and local expertise. The World Cup qualification spot is the ultimate prize. Go India!

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