The wait has been long. Two decades long. Now, India’s young women footballers are back on Asia’s biggest youth stage, the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026. And this time, they are not just here to participate. They are here to prove something.

India begins their campaign on April 2 against giant Japan. A tough start, no doubt. But inside the camp, there is no fear, only excitement.

“We are excited to perform on this stage,” says Captain Shubhangi Singh. “There is pressure, of course. But more than that, it is excitement.”

A Group That Tests Everything

India is placed in Group C alongside Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei, three strong sides, each with experience at the highest level.

Japan, runners-up at the last U-20 World Cup. Australia is always physical and fast. Chinese Taipei, disciplined and organised.

For a young Indian side, this is not an easy group. But Shubhangi sees it differently. “It was a ‘wow’ moment,” she smiles. “Japan, Australia… we got a chance to play against them. That is important for us.”

More Than Just Matches – A Bigger Dream

This tournament is not just about results. It is about a dream qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.

Only the top four teams will make it. So the task is clear: reach the semifinals.
But Shubhangi keeps it simple.

“We are not focusing too much on that. Our focus is on the first match,” she says.

A Team That Has Grown The Hard Way

This Indian team has not come here unprepared. They have played friendlies against Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. They trained in Sweden, facing strong senior club sides. They lost heavily at times, including a 6-0 defeat. But they learned.

“We struggled because they were physically stronger,” Shubhangi, who played every minute in the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, admits. “But we learned how to handle such teams.”

Step by step, this team has improved, especially in attack, thanks to a new 4-4-2 system under coach Joakim Alexandersson. “We are playing more attacking football now,” she says.

From Empty Stadiums To 10,000 Fans

One of the biggest moments for this team came during qualification. Playing in front of 10,000 fans, something rare in women’s football, changed everything.

“It was very special,” Shubhangi recalls. “We are used to playing in empty stadiums.” That night, India qualified for this tournament after 20 years. And something shifted.

If there is one thing this team has learned, it is how to deal with pressure. From tough qualifiers to physical opponents, from big losses to strong comebacks, every experience has shaped them.

“We didn’t know how to handle pressure earlier,” Shubhangi admits. “But now, we have learned.”

Japan First – Fearless Approach

The opening game is against Japan. For many teams, that could be intimidating.
But not for India.

“It’s a mix of blessing and challenge,” says Shubhangi. “At this stage, every match will be tough.” Her focus is clear: control what is in your hands.

A Captain Still Learning, A Team Still Growing

At the heart of this journey is a young captain who is still learning the role. “I try not to take pressure,” she says. “I focus on keeping the team together.”

That simple approach reflects the team itself, grounded, united, and quietly confident.

The Road Ahead

India’s schedule is packed:

• April 2: vs Japan
• April 5: vs Australia
• April 8: vs Chinese Taipei

Three matches. Three big tests. But for this team, the story is already bigger than results. After 20 years, they are back. And this time, they believe they belong.