Indian U20 Women's Team Arrives in Thailand for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

The Indian U20 women's football team has officially arrived in Thailand for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, their first appearance in two decades. With a 24-member squad, they are set to acclimatize before facing Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage. Under the leadership of coach Joakim Alexandersson, the team has undergone extensive training, including a camp in Sweden. Fans can catch the matches live on FanCode, with hopes of advancing to the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 12:46 IST

Arrival and Tournament Overview

The Indian U20 women's football team, consisting of 24 players, landed in Thailand on Friday morning to participate in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

This marks the Young Tigresses' first qualification for the Asian Cup in two decades. They will have a period of 13 days to adjust to the local environment in Bangkok before their opening Group C match against Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST. Following this, India will face Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST. Fans can watch the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 live on FanCode. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams across all groups, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four quarter-final victors will secure spots in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

Preparation and Training Camp

Under the guidance of Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, the team commenced their training camp in Bengaluru back in January, following the conclusion of the first phase of the Indian Women's League (IWL). They later spent a month in Sweden, where they engaged in five friendly matches against senior teams from various Swedish clubs. After returning from Scandinavia, the Young Tigresses continued their preparations in Kolkata before departing for Thailand early Friday morning.

Alexandersson is expected to finalize the 23-member squad closer to the tournament's start.

Traveling Squad for Thailand

The following is India's 24-member squad traveling to Thailand for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alka Indwar, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.

Coaching Staff: Head Coach: Joakim Alexandersson, Assistant Coach: Paromita Sit, Goalkeeping Coach: Hameed KK.

Match Schedule for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

India's match schedule for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 is as follows:

April 2: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani)

April 5: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)

April 8: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani).