India Drawn in Tough Group with Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
New Delhi, July 30 – The Indian women’s football team, known as the Blue Tigresses, faces a formidable challenge in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, having been drawn in Group C alongside Asian giants Japan, former champions Chinese Taipei, and fast-improving Vietnam.
The draw for Asia’s premier women’s football tournament, scheduled to take place from March 1 to 21, 2026 in Australia, was held at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday. Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore represented India as one of the three draw assistants.
India’s Group Stage Schedule: Dates and Venues
India will play three group-stage matches across two cities in Australia. Here’s their full Group C schedule:
- March 4, 2026 – vs Vietnam at Perth Rectangular Stadium
- March 7, 2026 – vs Japan at Perth Rectangular Stadium
- March 10, 2026 – vs Chinese Taipei at Western Sydney Stadium
This will be India’s first major appearance at the continental tournament since their forced withdrawal in the 2022 edition, hosted in Navi Mumbai, where a COVID-19 outbreak in the camp led to the team failing to field the minimum required number of players against Chinese Taipei.
Tournament Format and World Cup Qualification Stakes
The 12 participating teams have been divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarter-finals.
From there:
- The four semi-finalists will directly book a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
- The losing quarter-finalists will enter a playoff round, where two more World Cup spots will be decided.
This setup makes the AFC Women’s Asian Cup a crucial pathway to the global stage, especially for mid-tier teams like India and Vietnam.
India's Toughest Challenge Yet
With a FIFA ranking of 70, India is the lowest-ranked team in Group C. Their group-mates bring a wealth of experience and recent success:
Japan (Ranked 7th)
- 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup winners
- Two-time AFC Women’s Asian Cup winners (2014, 2018)
- Denied a third consecutive title in 2022, losing in the semi-final to China
Vietnam (Ranked 37th)
- Made their FIFA World Cup debut in 2023
- Qualified by topping the playoff round in 2022 Asian Cup in India
- Continue to be one of the fastest-rising teams in Asia
Chinese Taipei (Ranked 42nd)
- Former three-time Asian champions, with the last title in 1980
- Historically strong but looking to make a modern comeback
Facing these teams will demand peak performance from the Indian squad, which is still finding its footing on the continental stage.
Recap: India’s 2022 Exit Due to COVID-19 Outbreak
India’s last campaign at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, hosted at home, ended abruptly. After a promising 0–0 draw against Iran in their opener, the team suffered a COVID-19 outbreak inside the bio-secure bubble, rendering them unable to field 13 eligible players for their next match against Chinese Taipei.
According to AFC rules, India’s inability to field a team was considered a withdrawal, and the host nation was eliminated from the tournament.
“It was heartbreaking for the players and fans alike,” said a senior All India Football Federation (AIFF) official. “But we’re looking at 2026 as a redemption arc.”
Group Draw Overview
Alongside India’s Group C, the tournament’s other two groups are equally competitive:
Group A:
- Australia (Hosts)
- Korea Republic
- Iran
- Philippines
Group B:
- DPR Korea
- China (Defending Champions)
- Bangladesh
- Uzbekistan
China will be aiming for a record-extending 10th title, having won the 2022 edition.
Sangita Basfore Represents India at Draw Ceremony
Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore, who has over 50 international caps, represented India as one of the three official draw assistants in Sydney. Her inclusion highlights India’s growing presence in Asian football, despite their relatively lower FIFA ranking.
“It was a proud moment to stand there and represent Indian women’s football on the Asian stage,” Basfore said after the event. “Now it’s time to prove ourselves on the field.”
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 draw places India in one of the tournament’s toughest groups, alongside powerhouse Japan and World Cup contenders Vietnam and Chinese Taipei. However, with a chance to rewrite the heartbreak of 2022 and earn a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Indian team has everything to play for.
The next eight months are crucial for preparation, tactical planning, and fitness building. India’s road ahead is tough, but not impossible. A spirited performance could ignite a new era for women’s football in the country.