Indian women face Thailand in must-win Asian Cup qualifier

India take on Thailand in a decisive AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifier on July 5 in Chiang Mai, aiming for historic qualification and a step closer to the 2027 FIFA World Cup

Hyderabad: It all comes down to Saturday night. After more than two months of continuous toil and three group-stage wins, India will take on Thailand for a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 at the Chiang Mai Stadium in Thailand.

The match will be streamed live on the Changsuek YouTube channel and Thai Women’s Football Facebook page.

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This is an opportunity to script a new piece of history. India have never previously reached the AFC Women’s Asian Cup through the qualifiers route. The Blue Tigresses last made it to the continent’s top stage in 2003, when there were no qualifiers. India also featured in the 2022 edition as hosts but had to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak in the squad.

Saturday, July 5, presents a chance to right those wrongs, although the ‘wrongs’ from three years ago were beyond their control. The bigger dream is, of course, a first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027. The road to Brazil goes through Australia.

“Qualification right now would be a huge boost for Indian football overall,” said coach Crispin Chettri. “We’re going through a challenging phase at the moment, and the women’s team qualifying would really provide a ray of hope. It would also help the women’s game grow in India.”

“More young players would be inspired to take up football professionally. For those already in the national team, it would be an opportunity to face the best teams in Asia, and possibly the world. So in every way, I believe it would be a big step forward for football in India,” Chettri added.

“Sometimes, to qualify or to become champions, keeping clean sheets is just as important as scoring goals. I know we have the ability to score, but if we maintain our defensive discipline against Thailand, I believe we can win the match within 90 minutes,” said Chettri.

“Thailand is a very good side. The last time we played them at the Asian Games, it was a tough and competitive match. They like to keep the ball and play quick, short passes,” he added.

Coached by Japanese tactician Futoshi Ikeda, Thailand are aiming for their 10th successive qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.