The Indian senior women’s football team will take the field today against Uzbekistan in the first of two FIFA International Friendlies, marking a crucial phase in their preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Its India vs Uzbekistan.
The match will kick off at 4:30 PM IST at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru and will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.
This fixture is the 14th meeting between India and Uzbekistan in women’s football. The Central Asian side holds a clear edge, having won nine of the previous thirteen encounters. India has managed a single win, which came over two decades ago in 2003, while three matches have ended in draws. The last meeting between the two teams, a friendly in Tashkent in June 2024, concluded in a 0-0 draw.
A Shift in Approach
Since taking charge in February, head coach Crispin Chettri has overseen a transition toward a younger, more development-focused squad. The team has been in camp in Bengaluru for nearly a month, and the coaching staff has used the time to instill a system that emphasizes possession-based football and role-specific discipline.
At the pre-match press conference, Chettri made it clear that while winning remains important, the broader focus is on building a cohesive unit capable of competing at the continental level.
“We are moving in the right direction. The team have had almost 25 days of preparation, everything’s going as per the expectations,” said Chettri. “The Uzbekistan matches are ones where we want to explore and give opportunities to youngsters. We simply want to play proper football and keep possession whenever we can.”
As mentioned to AIFF
This friendly is one of the last competitive match settings India will have before heading into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers, set to begin on June 23 in Thailand. India is placed in Group B alongside Mongolia (June 23), Timor-Leste (June 29), Iraq (July 2) and hosts Thailand (July 5). Only the top team from the group is assured a place in the final tournament.
India is expected to line up with a relatively young squad, most of whom have been part of the senior setup only recently. The defence will likely be marshaled by Hemam Shilky Devi, who brings some experience and leadership. Speaking ahead of the match, she emphasized the value of the month-long camp in building chemistry and understanding among players.
Uzbekistan, ranked 50th in the FIFA Women’s rankings, are a physically strong side with an organised midfield and proven attacking capabilities. Their recent results suggest a stable setup that has been together for some time. Given their experience and superior head-to-head record, Uzbekistan enters the tie as favourites.
From India’s perspective, the focus will be on maintaining shape, controlling the tempo when possible, and avoiding unforced errors. Given the coach’s emphasis on role execution over results, the match will serve more as a tactical rehearsal than a do-or-die contest.
Eyes on Development
The friendly series offers India an opportunity to assess players across different roles, tweak formations, and test strategies under pressure. The learning outcomes will likely feed directly into preparations for the Thailand qualifiers. For players on the fringes, these games present a chance to earn their place in the final squad for the qualifiers.
India’s women’s football structure is in a phase of transition. The absence of regular competitive exposure has often hindered the team’s development. Matches like these, even if they don’t offer ranking points or tournament stakes, are critical in giving the team the match rhythm and cohesion required to compete at the continental level.
The second friendly against Uzbekistan will be played in a few days’ time, and the results of both matches—while not decisive—will inform selections and tactical decisions heading into June. India’s performance against a physically and technically sound side like Uzbekistan will offer a realistic measure of where the team stands ahead of the qualifiers.
With limited international windows and few fixtures on the calendar, the coaching staff will be watching closely to see which players adapt to the demands of the system and stand up under match pressure.
As the Blue Tigresses take the field this evening, the outcome may not define success. Instead, the focus remains on preparation, learning, and long-term progress.
Fixture Details
🗓️ Date: May 30, 2025
⏰ Kickoff: 4:30 PM IST
🏟️ Venue: Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, Bengaluru
📺 Broadcast: Indian Football YouTube Channel
