Young Tigresses Gear Up for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand
Indian U20 Women's Football Team Announced for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
The head coach of the Indian U20 women's football team, Joakim Alexandersson, has officially revealed the 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup set to take place in Thailand in 2026.
After a two-decade wait, India has qualified for this prestigious tournament and will kick off their journey against Japan on April 2 at the Thammasat Stadium. Their subsequent matches will be against Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8, both at the Pathum Thani Stadium, as per the announcement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The tournament format allows the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams across all groups, to 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.
The Young Tigresses arrived in Bangkok on March 20, giving them 13 days to adjust to the local environment. The traveling squad initially included 24 players, but defender Alka Indwar has been released, finalizing the roster at 23.
Training for this squad began in Bengaluru in January, following the conclusion of the first phase of the Indian Women's League (IWL). They then spent a month in Sweden, where they engaged in five friendly matches against senior teams from Swedish clubs. After returning from Scandinavia, the team continued their preparations in Kolkata before heading to Thailand.
Here is the complete roster for the 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 Match Schedule at the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026:
April 2, 18:30 IST: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani)
April 5, 14:30 IST: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)
April 8, 14:30 IST: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)
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