India Drawn in Group of Death for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

The final draw for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, held at the Sydney Town Hall on July 29, 2025, has placed India in Group C alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei.

Placed in position C3, the Blue Tigresses will kick off their campaign on March 4, 2026, against Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium. They’ll stay in Perth for a March 7 clash against continental giants Japan before shifting base to Sydney for the final group stage game against Chinese Taipei on March 10.

On paper, it's a tough group. Japan, ranked 7th in the world, are not just favorites to top the group—they’re genuine title contenders. Vietnam (37th) and Chinese Taipei (42nd) come in with more recent competitive exposure and higher FIFA rankings than India, who sit at 70.

But tournaments rarely play out like paper predictions.

There’s pride in just being here. India’s qualification wasn’t handed to them—it was earned. Midfielder Sangita Basfore, whose brace in the final qualifier against Thailand sealed India’s place in the tournament, stood on stage during the draw ceremony. Alongside stars like Australia's Tameka Yallop and Korea Republic’s Jeon Yu-gyeong, Sangita represented not just her team, but the grit of Indian women’s football. It was a rare and welcome moment of visibility.

The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-placed finishers, will progress to the quarter-finals. The four winners from the last eight will punch their ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. But the path doesn't end there for those who fall short — losing quarter-finalists will enter a playoff round for two more direct World Cup spots, while the two remaining teams will enter the inter-confederation playoffs.

India’s group stage matches are all scheduled for the afternoon IST slot, giving fans back home a perfect window to tune in. And while qualification to the next round will be a huge ask, the tournament also presents an opportunity: for India’s new generation to make a mark, for the federation to double down on its investment, and for fans to rally around a side that has long fought for its spotlight.

📌 India's Fixtures (IST):

• March 4, 2026 (16:30 IST): Vietnam vs India – Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth

• March 7, 2026 (16:30 IST): India vs Japan – Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth

• March 10, 2026 (14:30 IST): India vs Chinese Taipei – Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney