AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: India drawn alongside Japan, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei

Ending a wait of over two decades, the Indian women’s football team is set to return to the continental stage, having been drawn in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Scheduled to be held in Australia from March 1 to 21, 2026, the Blue Tigresses will face formidable opponents in Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.

Ranked 70th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings as of June 12, India were placed in Pot 4 for the final draw. They were drawn alongside 2018 champions and world No. 7 Japan from Pot 1, Vietnam (37) from Pot 2, and Chinese Taipei (42) from Pot 3. This marks India’s first appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup since 2003, following a historic qualification campaign where they topped Group B with wins over Thailand, Iraq, Timor-Leste and Mongolia.

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India were one of the eight teams to qualify for the 21st edition of the tournament, joining hosts Australia and the top three finishers from the 2022 edition — China, South Korea and Japan. The competition featured 12 teams divided into three groups of four, with matches spread across Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast, in stadiums that hosted the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Japan, two-time champions in 2014 and 2018, will be one of the title favourites, while Vietnam have consistently reached the finals since 1999, though they have advanced from the group stage only twice. Chinese Taipei, winners of three consecutive titles from 1977 to 1981, will be aiming to return to their former glory.

India, runners-up in 1980 and 1983, now look to make a mark in their return to Asia’s premier women’s football tournament. With momentum from their dominant qualifying run, the Blue Tigresses will aim to challenge higher-ranked teams and inspire a new chapter in Indian women’s football.