World Cup Final Target, Not Just AFC Says midfielder Sangita Basfore
Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore eyes the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, calling the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers a second chance after past regrets. India began strong with a 13-0 win over Mongolia and aims to qualify for Brazil
Hyderabad: “Our target is the World Cup, and the AFC qualifiers feel like World Cup qualifiers. We all want to qualify for Brazil,” says Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore.
For the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 serves as the qualifier, with the top six teams from the tournament securing their berths in the 32-team World Cup.
The first hurdle is the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Chiang Mai, where India made the perfect start with a 13-0 demolition of Mongolia on Monday.
“Right from warm-up, I had this feeling that I’d score the opening goal, and I did. That was a great feeling. I made a good run, and the cross from Soumya was perfect. When I scored, I thanked her right away,” said Sangita.
Since her debut against Sri Lanka in the Olympic qualifiers in 2015, the 28-year-old has racked up 66 caps for the Indian women’s national team. Only Grace Dangmei, with 86 appearances, has more matches in the current squad.
“When I see the juniors in our team now, I remember my early days. Back then, I learned a lot from my seniors. There were so many senior players when we came in, and over time, they started retiring. We juniors were raw and learnt a lot from being part of the national team,” Sangita said.
She might have two SAFF Women’s Championship trophies and two South Asian Games gold medals, but what she truly yearns for is playing in a major tournament for India.
“When I look at my own journey, it’s been a long one. I just want to have one proud moment before I retire—like playing in the World Cup,” she said.
“Missing the Asian Cup in 2022 was a big regret. Even my teammates didn’t get to play because of COVID. We had worked so hard during the pandemic to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, but it wasn’t to be. That regret still lingers. Even now, I get flashbacks. We desperately want to qualify for the Asian Cup.
“This feels like a second chance now.”
India will play Timor Leste (June 29 at 14:30 IST), Iraq (July 2 at 14:30 IST), and Thailand (July 5 at 18:00 IST).
All matches will be streamed live on the Changsuek YouTube Channel and Thai Women’s Football Facebook Page