Indian Women's Football Team Set for Historic Matches Against Russia in Kolkata

The Indian women's football team is poised to make history with their first international matches in Kolkata against Russia on October 8 and 11, 2026. Following their recent triumph at the SAFF Women's Championship, this opportunity allows the team to face a strong European opponent. Coach Crispin Chettri emphasizes the importance of these matches for player development and gaining experience in front of a home crowd. With a rich history of encounters between the two teams, this series promises to be a significant milestone for Indian women's football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 27, 2026, 20:22 IST

Upcoming Matches in Kolkata

The Indian women's football team is gearing up for its inaugural international matches in Kolkata, where they will face Russia in two friendly encounters on October 8 and 11, 2026, coinciding with the FIFA Women's International Match Window.

Significance of the Matches

These matches will be India's first international outings since they secured their sixth consecutive title at the SAFF Women's Championship in June 2026. Ranked 69th globally, India will have the chance to challenge themselves against a formidable European team, as Russia holds the 27th position in the world rankings according to the AIFF.

This event also marks the Indian women's team's return to West Bengal since the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship in Siliguri, where they emerged victorious. This was the only previous instance of the national team playing in the state.

Historical Encounters with Russia

The last time the Russian women's national team visited India was in 1994 for the Jayalalitha Cup held in Chennai. India was eliminated in the group stage, while Russia advanced to finish as runners-up. The upcoming matches will be the third and fourth encounters between the two teams, with their previous meetings resulting in a heavy 0-8 loss for India at the Turkish Women's Cup in 2021 and a 0-2 defeat at the Pink Ladies Cup in 2025 in the UAE.

Insights from the Coach

Crispin Chettri, the head coach of the Indian women's national team, emphasized the importance of facing high-quality opponents for the team's growth. He noted, "Having already played against Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup, these upcoming matches will provide another chance to gauge our performance against a strong side."

"While winning is crucial, we must also adopt a long-term perspective. It’s vital to give emerging players the chance to compete against top-tier teams and continue nurturing a squad capable of excelling on the international stage," Chettri added.

The Blue Tigresses have been training in Kolkata since September 18, and Chettri plans to finalize the squad as the matches approach.

Playing in Kolkata: A Unique Opportunity

Chettri expressed that hosting these matches in Kolkata presents a significant opportunity for the players. "Not only will they compete against a quality team like Russia, but they will also hopefully play in front of a supportive crowd. Experiencing the expectations and atmosphere of playing before fans is crucial for their development. These experiences are essential for building the habits needed to compete at higher international levels," he concluded.