The Indian Women’s Football team has entered the final phase of preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, with two closed-door friendlies scheduled against Australian club sides Perth RedStar FC and Perth Azzurri in Perth this week.
Having completed an intensive overseas training block in Turkiye, the Blue Tigresses arrived in Western Australia on February 11 to continue their build-up to the continental tournament, which begins next month. The two matches on February 19 at Dalmatinac Park against Perth RedStar and on February 23 at Macedonia Park against Perth Azzurri will serve as critical tactical rehearsals before India open their Asian Cup campaign.
India’s preparations for the Asian Cup have followed a carefully structured roadmap laid out by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The national team began assembling in early January, before travelling to Turkiye for a month-long conditioning and exposure camp. The shift to Australia marks the final acclimatisation phase, designed to ensure the squad is physically and tactically ready for competition in similar environmental conditions.
The Turkiye leg yielded valuable match practice. India played six friendly matches against club teams from Ukraine, Russia, Switzerland, Germany and Romania, finishing with three wins, one draw and two losses. The results offered a balanced assessment of the team’s development exposing defensive vulnerabilities while also underlining attacking improvements.
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Victories over Swiss and German opposition showcased India’s growing confidence in transition play, while narrow defeats highlighted areas requiring sharper defensive organisation. The European exposure, particularly against physically stronger sides, was intended to prepare the team for the higher intensity expected at the Asian Cup.
Tactical Refinement Under Amelia Valverde
A key element of this preparation phase has been the leadership of head coach Amelia Valverde, who has emphasised a more structured, possession-oriented and high-pressing style of play . The Costa Rican tactician, with prior FIFA Women’s World Cup experience, has focused on improving India’s defensive compactness and transition efficiency.
In Turkiye, the team demonstrated offensive promise through players like Anju Tamang and Grace Dangmei, who provided goals and attacking thrust. However, defensive lapses in certain matches reinforced the need for better organisation under pressure an area likely to be tested again in Perth.
The friendlies in Australia are expected to give Valverde a clearer picture of her preferred starting XI for the Asian Cup opener. With both games being played behind closed doors, the coaching staff can experiment with formations, set-piece routines and pressing triggers without revealing tactical details to potential opponents.
Acclimatisation to Australian Conditions
The move to Perth is not merely about match practice. Climate adaptation forms a crucial part of the strategy. February temperatures in Western Australia hover around 30°C, with extended daylight and firm playing surfaces. Early arrival allows players to adjust physiologically, ensuring optimal performance when the tournament begins.
Training sessions have reportedly been scheduled to mirror likely kick-off times, reinforcing match-specific conditioning. The sports science staff are also closely monitoring hydration protocols and recovery cycles to mitigate fatigue during this final stretch.
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Perth RedStar FC, India’s first opponents, are among the stronger teams in Western Australia’s National Premier Leagues competition. Known for their intensity and direct attacking play, they are expected to test India’s backline in transition scenarios.
Perth Azzurri, the second opponents, represent a more possession-dominant style, having enjoyed domestic success in their league. The contrasting tactical profiles of the two Australian clubs will provide India with diverse challenges one emphasising high-tempo pressing, the other demanding disciplined defensive structure.
Building Momentum Ahead of the Asian Cup
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 represents a significant opportunity for Indian women’s football. Having qualified on merit, the team aims not merely to participate but to compete with greater consistency against Asia’s established powers.
The exposure in Turkiye and now Australia signals a deliberate attempt by the AIFF to elevate preparation standards. The 47-day overseas training cycle is among the most comprehensive in the team’s recent history.
While the results in Turkiye reflected a work in progress, they also indicated tangible growth particularly in attacking combinations and midfield resilience. The Perth fixtures are expected to sharpen defensive discipline and refine in-game adaptability.
Interestingly, the football team’s Australian preparation coincides with India’s women’s cricket team also touring the country. The parallel campaigns highlight a broader surge in international exposure for Indian women’s sport a reflection of increased institutional support and ambition
For the Blue Tigresses, however, the immediate focus remains clear. The two Perth friendlies are less about scorelines and more about structure, cohesion and readiness. With the Asian Cup looming, these matches represent the final opportunity to convert months of preparation into a cohesive competitive blueprint.
When India step onto the Asian Cup stage next month, the lessons from Turkiye and Perth both tactical and physical will define how far this evolving side can go.
