-Soumyaroop Mukherjee

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson has named a 23-player India U20 women’s squad for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026. India returns to the tournament after 20 years. They face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in Group B, with all matches streamed live on FanCode.

Key fixtures and qualification stakes

India open against Japan on April 2 at Thammasat Stadium, 18:30 IST. They then meet Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8, both at Pathum Thani Stadium, 14:30 IST. The top two in each group and the two best third-placed sides reach the quarter-finals.

The four quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026. The Young Tigresses reached Bangkok on March 20. They had 13 days to adjust to conditions. The travelling group had 24 players, before defender Alka Indwar was released as Alexandersson confirmed his final 23.

The current camp began in Bengaluru in January after the first phase of the Indian Women’s League. The squad then trained for one month in Sweden. They played five friendlies there against senior teams of Swedish club sides, before a further training block in Kolkata.

Full 23-player India U20 squad

• 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.

Staff: Head coach Joakim Alexandersson, assistant coach Paromita Sit, goalkeeping coach Hameed KK. The group will seek a place in the last eight and a possible World Cup berth.

India’s group stage schedule

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