India Faces Japan in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Showdown

India is gearing up to face Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, following a tough loss to Vietnam. With hopes of advancing to the knockout stage and aiming for a shot at the 2027 FIFA World Cup, the Blue Tigresses are determined to perform well. The match will take place on March 4 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, and fans can catch the live action on FanCode. Will India rise to the occasion against a strong Japanese side? Read on for more details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 14:03 IST

Match Preview: India vs Japan

On Saturday, India will compete against Japan in their Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium. After suffering a tough loss to Vietnam in their opening match, the Blue Tigresses face a challenging road ahead. Currently ranked at the bottom of their group, which also includes Japan and Chinese Taipei, India has not participated in any international matches this year prior to the game against Vietnam. Their last international outings were in October 2025, where they faced defeats against Iran and Nepal with scores of 0-2 and 1-2, respectively.

Despite these setbacks, India aims to exceed expectations and advance to the knockout stage, which would provide them an opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup for the first time. The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed teams, will move on to the quarter-finals. The four winners of the quarter-finals will secure spots in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

The Indian squad consists of 26 players, including six who have yet to earn their first cap. Eight members of the team participated in the previous Asian Cup held in India in 2022: Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sanju, Anju Tamang, Pyari Xaxa, Grace Dangmei, Manisha Kalyan, and Sowmiya Narayanasamy.

Predicted XI for India vs Japan:

India's Expected Lineup: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK), Martina Thokchom, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Aveka Singh, Sangita Basfore, Grace Dangmei, Pyari Xaxa, Manisha Kalyan, Soumya Guguloth, Lynda Kom Serto

Formation: (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Panthoi Chanu

Defenders: Nirmala Devi (RB), Sweety Devi (CB), Hemam Shilky Devi (CB), Sanju Yadav (LB)

Defensive Midfielders: Martina Thokchom, Sangita Basfore

Wingers: Soumya Gugoloth (RW), Dangmei Grace (AM), Manisha Kalyan (LW)

Center Forward: Pyari Xaxa

Match Timing: The India vs Japan match in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at 4:30 PM IST (19:00 UTC+8).

Live Streaming: Fans can watch the India vs Japan match live on FanCode.