India Name 24-Member Squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Thailand

Image Credit: AIFF

Head Coach Crispin Chettri has named a 24-member Indian squad that will travel to Thailand for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to begin later this month. The final squad of 23 will be confirmed before India’s opening match against Mongolia on June 23. The qualifiers serve as a pathway to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, and further, a stepping stone to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

India are placed in Group B alongside Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq, and hosts Thailand. All four of their group matches will be held at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, with the group winner earning a spot in the main tournament in Australia next year.

The Blue Tigresses are set to arrive in Chiang Mai on Monday evening and will undergo a week-long acclimatisation and training phase before their campaign kicks off. The team previously held an intensive six-week camp at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, which included two international friendlies against Uzbekistan on May 30 and June 3. While India lost both matches 0-1, Chettri expressed satisfaction with the overall preparations.

“We trained for more than 40 days with excellent facilities in Bengaluru. The squad is a good blend of youth and experience,” said Chettri. “Unfortunately, some key forwards like Karishma, Sandhiya, and Renu had to be dropped due to injuries, but that’s the nature of the game.”

Chettri used the Uzbekistan matches to test various combinations, making eight changes in the second match and giving five players their international debuts. The approach was designed to simulate the short recovery windows India will face during the Qualifiers.

“We created more chances in the second game, but conversion remains an area to improve. Our rotation strategy will be key, with four matches in just 13 days,” the coach added.

India's schedule includes a crucial opener against Mongolia on June 23, followed by a five-day rest before they face Timor Leste. They will then meet Iraq on July 2, before concluding the group stage with a likely decisive clash against Thailand on July 5.

Chettri also emphasised the importance of reaching Thailand early to acclimatise to the region’s hot and humid climate.

“Bengaluru’s weather was quite pleasant, so coming to Chiang Mai early will help us adapt better. I’m thankful to the federation for that,” said Chettri.

India’s 24-Member Travelling Squad:

Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Moirangthem Monalisha Devi, Payal Basude

Defenders: Hemam Shilky Devi, Kiran Pisda, Martina Thokchom, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Purnima Kumari, Sanju, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu

Midfielders: Anju Tamang, Grace Dangmei, Karthika Angamuthu, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sangita Basfore

Forwards: Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Manisha Naik, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth

Coaching Staff: Head Coach: Crispin Chettri Assistant Coaches: Priya PV, Nivetha Ramadoss Goalkeeper Coach: Mario Luis Aguiar Strength & Conditioning Coach: Chelston Pinto

Group B Fixtures – AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers

• June 23: Mongolia vs India – 14:30 IST

• June 29: India vs Timor Leste – 14:30 IST

• July 2: India vs Iraq – 14:30 IST

• July 5: Thailand vs India – 18:00 IST

Venue: 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, Chiang Mai, Thailand Live Streaming: Thai Women’s Football Facebook Page and Changsuek YouTube Channel