AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: How Well Do You Know The Indian Team? Here's A Breakdown Of The Entire 26-Member Squad

India returns to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup stage for the first team in 2 decades under new head coach Amelia Valverde.

Following the disappointment of their 2022 withdrawal, the Blue Tigresses have undergone a tactical transformation.

Valverde is bringing with her a vast amount of experience. Her appointment signals a shift toward a more modern, structured style of play as India seeks to prove they belong among Asia’s elite.

Also Read: India At AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Schedule, Squad, Players To Watch, Prediction – All You Need To Know

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: Meet The Blue Tigresses

Goalkeepers: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Shreya Hooda and Sowmiya Narayanasamy

Panthoi Chanu is the seasoned leader, known for her incredible agility and big-save temperament in high-pressure matches.

Shreya Hooda has emerged as a consistent powerhouse, utilizing her impressive reach and commanding presence to organize the backline.

Sowmiya Narayanasamy rounds out the group with sharp anticipation and quick distribution skills.

Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju Yadav, Sarita Yumnam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sushmita Lepcha and Sweety Devi Ngangbam.

This defensive unit balances youth and tactical maturity. Sanju Yadav and Sweety Devi bring essential experience, offering composure and physical strength in the heart of the defense.

Martina Thokchom and Astam Oraon represent the future, showcasing high work rates and the versatility to transition from defense to attack. Players like Juli Kishan and Shilky Devi add depth with their accurate positioning.

Midfielders: Anju Tamang, Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum and Sangita Basfore.

The midfield engine room is driven by creativity and relentless energy. Anju Tamang is the versatile heartbeat of the team, capable of threading needle-eye passes or tracking back to win possession.

Sangita Basfore provides the grit, acting as a defensive screen with her superb tackling and spatial awareness. The inclusion of youngsters like Babina Devi and Aveka Singh adds technical flair and fresh legs.

Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar and Soumya Guguloth.

Manisha Kalyan is a standout, possessing world-class dribbling and the ability to score from distance. Pyari Xaxa and Grace Dangmei provide the veteran savvy, using their speed to exploit gaps in the wings. Emerging talents like Lynda Kom and Kaviya Pakkirisamy add a predatory instinct inside the box.

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: Blue Tigresses' Schedule

India's journey in Group C kicks off on March 4 against Vietnam at Perth Rectangular Stadium (4:30PM) with a subsequent clash against Japan at the same time and venue on March 7.

The group stage concludes on March 10 at Western Sydney Stadium (14:30 IST) against Chinese Taipei.

The top two teams from each group and the two strongest third-place finishers advance to the quarter-finals. Victory in the quarter-finals guarantees a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.