India achieved a remarkable qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 finals by securing a thrilling 2-1 victory against the host nation, Thailand, at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Friday. This victory enabled India to finish at the top of Group B in the Qualifiers with an impeccable record of four wins from four matches.
For the first time, the Blue Tigresses secured a place in the continental championship by means of the qualification route. Australia is set to host the tournament in 2026.
This will mark India’s inaugural participation in the Asian Cup since 2023, a tournament in which they were hosted but had to withdraw due to COVID outbreak within the team. The most recent occasion when India qualified directly was in 2003, prior to the introduction of the current format of qualifiers.
India’s women’s team secured a place in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which is set to take place in Australia, by overcoming Thailand with a score of 2-1 in a Group B qualifying match held in Chiang Mai on Saturday.
