India's Blue Tigresses Set to Kick Off AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Against Mongolia

The Blue Tigresses of India are gearing up to start their journey in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers against Mongolia. This match marks a significant moment as India aims to qualify for the prestigious tournament for the tenth time. With a challenging group ahead, including teams like Iraq and Thailand, coach Crispin Chettri emphasizes the importance of focusing on one match at a time. As they adapt to the conditions in Chiang Mai, the team is determined to make their mark in women's football. Read on to discover more about their preparations and aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2025, 08:24 IST

India Begins Journey in AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers

Chiang Mai, Thailand - On June 23, India's quest for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 will commence as the Blue Tigresses face Mongolia in their opening Group B qualifier at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, as reported by the official AIFF website.

Having been runners-up in the former Asian Women's Championship during the 1980s, India aims to qualify for the continent's premier women's tournament for the tenth time, this being their first attempt through the qualifiers. Following the match against Mongolia, India will compete against Timor Leste on June 29, Iraq on July 2, and the host nation Thailand on July 5. Only the group winners will secure a spot in the 12-team AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026, which will also serve as a qualifier for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.

During the pre-tournament press conference, Indian coach Crispin Chettri expressed gratitude to the Football Association of Thailand for their hospitality. He mentioned, 'We arrived earlier this week and have felt very welcomed. Prior to this, we were training in Bengaluru and had the opportunity to play two friendly matches against Uzbekistan.'

Chettri highlighted the competitiveness of their group, stating, 'We have an interesting lineup with Thailand, Iraq, Mongolia, and Timor-Leste. This will be a great competition for everyone involved. Women's football is advancing in Asia, and all coaches and players are eager to learn.'

He acknowledged the significance of playing in Thailand, saying, 'It's a privilege to compete here. For us, India, this presents a significant challenge against teams like Iraq, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and especially Thailand. However, we are focused on one match at a time and are eager to face Mongolia tomorrow.'

Ranked 70th globally, India has never previously faced Mongolia, who are currently ranked 126th. Mongolia played their first official match in 2018 and last secured a competitive win that same year against Guam in the East Asian Women's Championship. They have not participated in a tournament since November 2023, where they lost all three matches to Korea DPR (0-19), Hong Kong (0-6), and Northern Mariana Islands (3-4).

Mongolia's coach, Bayasgalangiin Garidmagnai, who also leads their senior men's national team, remarked on the team's preparation, stating, 'Despite some internal challenges, we trained well for about three weeks. We are concerned about the heat as we come from a colder climate.'

In contrast, Chettri assured that the weather would not hinder India's performance. He noted that while Chiang Mai's humidity is higher than Bengaluru's, the Blue Tigresses have adapted well to the conditions in northern Thailand.

'The weather here is quite similar to India. We have acclimatized and come with a positive mindset. Although our squad is in a transition phase with many young players, our objective remains to reach Australia,' Chettri concluded.