Women's AFC Asian Cup 2026: India Face Japan, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam in Group C

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India's women's football team has been placed in Group C for the AFC Women's Asian Cup, set to take place in Australia next year. They will compete against Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam.

The tournament, featuring 12 teams, will run from March 1 to 21, 2026. The draw was conducted at Sydney Town Hall with Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore as one of the draw assistants.

The Blue Tigresses will kick off their campaign against Vietnam on March 4, 2026, at Perth Rectangular Stadium. Their next match is against Japan on March 7 at the same venue, followed by a game against Chinese Taipei on March 10 at Western Sydney Stadium. The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the quarter-finals.

Group Stage Details and Rankings

Japan, ranked seventh globally and winners of the Women's World Cup in 2011, are the highest-ranked team in Group C. They have previously won the Women's Asian Cup in 2014 and 2018 but missed out on a third consecutive title after losing to China in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition held in India.

Vietnam, ranked 37th, aims to secure a spot in the 2027 Women's World Cup after debuting in the 2023 edition. They reached the 2023 World Cup by topping the play-off round among losing quarter-finalists in the 2022 Women's Asian Cup.

Chinese Taipei's Ambitions

Chinese Taipei holds a world ranking of 42nd and last won the AFC Women's Asian Cup title in 1980. They are also targeting qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup. India, ranked 70th globally, is currently the lowest-ranked team in Group C.

In Group A, hosts Australia will face Korea Republic, Iran, and Philippines. Group B includes DPR Korea, China, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan. China is the defending champion and aims for a record-extending tenth title.

India's Previous Challenges

During the 2022 Women's Asian Cup in Navi Mumbai, India's team had to withdraw from their match against Chinese Taipei due to COVID-19 cases within their squad. Unable to field a minimum of 13 players as per competition rules, their withdrawal was recorded after they had drawn their first match against Iran.

The four semi-finalists of this tournament will earn spots at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Teams losing in the quarter-finals will enter playoffs for two additional World Cup spots. This structure provides multiple opportunities for teams to qualify for the global event.

With inputs from PTI