India U20 women show progress ahead of Asian Cup, says coach Joakim Alexandersson

India’s Under-20 women’s team, under coach Joakim Alexandersson, is gearing up for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup with improved structure and confidence after international exposure, aiming to compete strongly against top teams like Japan and Australia

Hyderabad: The Indian Under-20 women’s team is on the threshold of the AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand, not just as participants but as a side shaped by deliberate preparation and international exposure.

Under Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, India’s build-up has been structured with a clear objective: to put up a solid and brave performance against Asia’s elite. India will face Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST, Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST, and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST, in Group C.

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The top two teams in the 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 Uzbekistan ‘friendlies’ were very important for us,” Alexandersson said. “We had excellent training facilities in Chennai and played two good friendly matches. They were beneficial because we are aiming to prepare for high-intensity games.

“Kazakhstan had a more physical team, with bigger and stronger players, some of whom had experience at the senior level,” he explained.

In total, India played five friendly games, but the opening fixture against the senior squad of Swedish heavyweights Hammarby IF was a reality check in the shape of a 0-6 loss.

“That match was challenging. The speed of play, quality, and movement were at a very high level, and we had to work extremely hard defensively. But the girls showed a great mentality,” noted Alexandersson.

“With each match, we improved, especially in our defensive structure and attacking movements. We have made good progress in creating chances.”

More importantly, the team experienced both sides of the game – absorbing pressure and dictating play – a balance crucial at the tournament level.

“Importantly, we maintained our commitment to playing technical, possession-based football.”

Drawn alongside some of the strongest teams in Asia, including Japan and Australia, India are not overwhelmed by the challenge.

“It is definitely a tough group,” Alexandersson said. “Japan are one of the best teams in the world at this level, and Australia are very strong and physical too. It is important that we respect these opponents but do not fear them. We want to play with confidence, not just defend, but also keep possession and express ourselves.”