Indian Women's Football Team Aims for Historic AFC Women's Asia Cup Campaign

The Indian Women's football team is set to make history as they kick off their AFC Women's Asia Cup campaign against Vietnam. With aspirations to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, the team aims to overcome past disappointments and achieve a significant milestone. Competing in a challenging group, the Blue Tigresses are determined to secure their place in the knockout stages and ultimately the World Cup. This tournament is crucial for the team's growth and legacy in women's football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 16:14 IST

Indian Women's Team Kicks Off AFC Women's Asia Cup Journey

The Indian Women's football squad is set to embark on a historic journey as they commence their 2026 AFC Women's Asia Cup campaign on Wednesday, March 4, facing Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium. The Blue Tigresses have a significant opportunity not only to showcase their talent in this prestigious tournament but also to secure a spot in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in Brazil. This tournament, hosted in Australia, holds particular importance for the Indian team following their disappointing exit during the 2022 edition held in India, where they had to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak, preventing them from participating in any of their scheduled group matches.

Path to FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 Qualification

In contrast to the men's FIFA World Cup, which features a separate qualification process, the women's team must qualify through the continental championship. This year's competition includes 12 teams, organized into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, along with two of the best third-placed teams. The four semi-finalists will earn direct qualification for the World Cup next year. Additionally, the four teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will compete in playoff matches, with the winners moving on to the inter-confederation playoffs. The two Asian teams will participate in the initial playoff phase in November-December 2026, alongside two African teams and a lower-ranked South American team. The top teams from this phase will then face off in February 2027 against teams from North America, a higher-ranked South American team, and one from Europe, with three teams ultimately qualifying for the World Cup. India finds itself in Group C, alongside Vietnam, Japan, and Chinese Taipei, aiming to qualify for the marquee event for the first time ever. Historically, India has not advanced past the group stage of the women's Asia Cup since 1983, having reached the finals in 1980 and 1983, and finishing third in 1981.