oi-Sauradeep Ash

India’s U20 women’s national football team, featuring a 24-player squad, touched down in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday morning, March 20, 2026, gearing up for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup-a milestone appearance after two decades.

The Young Tigresses, led by Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, now have 13 days to adapt to the humid conditions before kicking off Group C against powerhouse Japan on April 2. They’ll follow up with clashes against Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8, all at venues in Pathum Thani.

Tournament stakes are high: The top two from each group, plus the two best third-placed sides, advance to the quarterfinals. Winners there secure spots at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this year.

Building momentum, the squad launched their prep camp in Bengaluru post the Indian Women’s League’s first phase, followed by a month-long stint in Sweden with five friendlies against senior club teams. Back home, they honed skills in Kolkata before the early Friday flight to Thailand. Alexandersson plans to trim to a final 23 players soon.

India squad for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alka Indwar, 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.

Support staff: Head coach Joakim Alexandersson; Assistant coach Paromita Sit; Goalkeeping coach Hameed KK.

India U20 Women’s Team Schedule

April 2, 18:30 IST: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani)

April 5, 14:30 IST: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)

April 8, 14:30 IST: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani)

U20 Women’s Asia Cup Live Streaming

The matches will be live-streamed in India on Fancode app and website.

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