India names squad for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup

India’s Under-20 women’s team has announced its 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026. The team will face Japan, Australia and Chinese Taipei, aiming for a strong showing after qualifying for the tournament after 20 years.

Hyderabad: Indian Under-20 women’s team head coach Joakim Alexandersson has named the Young Tigresses’ 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026.

India, which qualified for the tournament after 20 years, will begin their campaign with a match against Japan (April 2, 18:30 IST at the Thammasat Stadium), followed by Australia (April 5, 14:30 IST at the Pathum Thani Stadium) and Chinese Taipei (April 8, 14:30 IST at the Pathum Thani Stadium).

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The top two teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams among all three groups will make it to the quarter-finals. Further, the four quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026. The AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 will be streamed live on FanCode.

The Young Tigresses arrived in Bangkok on March 20 and had 13 days to acclimatise to the local conditions. The travelling contingent comprised 24 players, with defender Alka Indwar now released as Alexandersson finalised his 23-player squad for the final tournament.

India had begun their current training camp in Bengaluru in January after the conclusion of the first phase of the IWL. Later, they had a one-month camp in Sweden, where they played five friendly matches against the senior teams of Swedish club sides. After their return from Scandinavia, the Young Tigresses continued training in Kolkata before heading to the Thailand capital.

India’s 23-member squad for 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