The Indian women's football team returns to international action on 8 October 2026 with a revamped squad, taking on 27th-ranked Russia in the first of two FIFA friendly matches at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Ranked 69th in the world, India will face Russia again on 11 October, with both fixtures kicking off at 6 pm IST and available to stream live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.

Historic Occasion for Indian Women's Football

The back-to-back friendlies mark India's first international fixtures since winning their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title in June. They also represent the Indian women's team's first-ever international appearance in Kolkata — a city synonymous with football in India. Head coach Crispin Chettri called on local fans to pack the stands. 'I want them to come in loads and support our own team. They deserve that at least, so I think it's time for Kolkata to show that we really care about football irrespective of gender,' he said at the pre-match press conference.

Young Squad Eyes Senior Breakthrough

The 24-player squad carries an average age of 23, with the youngest members just 19 years old. Several have graduated through the India U20 setup and are now competing for a permanent senior berth. Goalkeeper Nandini and winger Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are among those pushing for recognition, while forward Renu returns from an injury layoff. Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P. are also in contention for greater responsibility in the XI.

Chettri framed the Russia matches as a critical early step toward Asian Cup preparation. 'If you want to do well in the Asian Cup, then we have to start building right now,' he said. Renu echoed the sense of individual purpose: 'I want to just be at my best for these two games and play well.'

Squad Depth Tested by Club Commitments

India's preparations have been disrupted by the unavailability of several senior players, with East Bengal's involvement in the AFC Women's Champions League and the Indian Women's League limiting Chettri's options during the extended camp. However, the coach struck an optimistic note: 'Maybe this could be a blessing for the upcoming players to show their character, and I think there is nothing to lose for us but to show character and give our best for the country.'

Russia's Dominant Head-to-Head Record

Russia hold a commanding 2-0 record in previous meetings with India, having scored 10 goals without conceding. They registered an 8-0 victory in 2021 before a 2-0 win in Sharjah in February 2025. Chettri, however, noted that the current squad is significantly different from the side that faced Russia last year, suggesting the historical ledger may be a poor guide to what unfolds at Salt Lake.

Russia head coach Yuri Krasnozhan offered a similar reading. 'The previous game is history; it's just statistics. Every new game is a new challenge for both teams. We are preparing to get the win in this game,' he said. The Russian squad arrived in India on Tuesday evening with limited preparation time, though defender Veronika Kuropatkina said the ongoing Russian club season has kept the players in good physical condition. 'We know the opponent, not just from the video, but we played last year against India,' she added.

India's Full 24-Player Squad

Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini.
Defenders: Dhurga Perumal, Juli Kishan, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Mousumi Murmu, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Shubhangi Singh.
Midfielders: Babina Devi Lisham, Baby Sana, Cindy Colney, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore, Santosh.
Forwards: Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P., Renu, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sushmita Jadhav.

Whether this young group can narrow the gap against a higher-ranked Russia will set the tone for India's women's football ambitions heading into a crucial Asian Cup cycle.