The road to AFC Women Asian Cup 2026 is set for the Indian senior women’s national team, as they have been placed in Group B following the official draw conducted at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 27, 2025.
The Blue Tigresses will face Thailand (WR 47), Mongolia (WR 126), Timor-Leste (WR 159), and Iraq (WR 173) in a single round-robin format, with only the group winner advancing to the final tournament in Australia.
India’s Opponents in Group B
📍 Thailand (WR 47) – The Toughest Test
The hosts are the highest-ranked team in the group and the clear favorites. With home advantage and experience in previous Asian Cup campaigns, Thailand will be India’s biggest challenge.
📍 Mongolia (WR 126) – A Mid-Tier Opponent
Mongolia has shown gradual improvement but remains a team India should be able to dominate.
📍 Timor-Leste (WR 159) – The Dark Horse
Timor-Leste has struggled in recent years, but they could pose a challenge if underestimated.
📍 Iraq (WR 173) – The Underdogs
Iraq has yet to make a major impact in women’s football, and India will be expected to secure a comfortable win.
A Must-Win Battle Against Thailand
While India is ranked 69th, significantly higher than Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and Iraq, only the group winner qualifies for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. This means that the focus must be entirely on defeating Thailand, as they are the only real threat to India’s qualification hopes.
The Blue Tigresses must prepare extensively to ensure they can match Thailand physically and tactically. The away factor makes it even more difficult, but India has the talent and potential to cause an upset.
Tournament Schedule & Format
🗓️ Group B Matches will be played in a centralized single round-robin format in Thailand from June 23 to July 5, 2025.
📍 Only the group winner will progress to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia, which will be hosted across three cities.
The Road Ahead for the Blue Tigresses
With just under three months to prepare, India must focus on:
✅ Intensive Training Camps – Tactical and physical preparation to match Thailand’s intensity.
✅ International Friendlies – Playing higher-ranked teams to get accustomed to competitive pressure.
✅ Defensive Stability & Goal-Scoring Efficiency – India must be clinical in front of goal and solid in defense.
This is a golden opportunity for India to qualify for another AFC Women’s Asian Cup, but it will require perfect execution on match day against Thailand.
With the right strategy, belief, and preparation, the Blue Tigresses can roar their way to Australia 2026! 🇮🇳🔥
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳⚽ #AFCWomensAsianCup2026
