Young Tigresses Gear Up for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026

The Indian U20 women's football team, known as the Young Tigresses, is gearing up for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in Thailand, marking their first appearance in 20 years. Under the guidance of head coach Joakim Alexandersson, the team has finalized its 23-member squad and is set to face formidable opponents like Japan and Australia. With a rigorous training regimen that included camps in Bengaluru and Sweden, the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Fans can look forward to live coverage of the matches as the Young Tigresses aim for a successful campaign.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 17:24 IST

India's U20 Women's Team Prepares for AFC Tournament

Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the Indian U20 women's football team, has announced the final 23-player roster for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup set to take place in Thailand in 2026. This marks India's return to the tournament after a two-decade absence. The team's first match is scheduled against Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST, to be held at Thammasat Stadium. Following this, they will face Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST at Pathum Thani Stadium, and then Chinese Taipei on April 8 at the same time and venue. 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 winners from the quarter-finals will secure spots in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland in 2026. Fans can catch the live streaming of the tournament on FanCode.

The Young Tigresses arrived in Bangkok on March 20, allowing them 13 days to adjust to the local environment. Initially, the squad included 24 players, but defender Alka Indwar has been released, finalizing the roster to 23 players for the tournament. The team began their training camp in Bengaluru back in January, following the first phase of the Indian Women's League (IWL). They then spent a month training in Sweden, where they played five friendly matches against senior teams from various Swedish clubs. After returning from Sweden, the Young Tigresses continued their preparations in Kolkata before heading to Thailand.

India's 23-member squad for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026:
Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.
Defenders: 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.
Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant coach: Paromita Sit
Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK

India's schedule at AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026:
18:30 IST, April 2: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani)
14:30 IST, April 5: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)
14:30 IST, April 8: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)