Indian Women's Football Team Arrives in Nairobi for FIFA Series 2026
Synopsis
The Indian women's football team has landed in Nairobi, gearing up for the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya. Set to compete against Kenya, the Blue Tigresses aim to showcase their skills on an international stage. This friendly tournament promises exciting matchups and a chance for global football interaction.
Key Takeaways
Indian women's team arrives in Nairobi for FIFA Series.
Facing Kenya in the semifinal on April 11.
Matches at Nyayo National Stadium .
FIFA Series promotes global football interaction .
Head coach Crispin Chettri leads a squad of 22 players.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The Indian senior women's football team has arrived in Nairobi as of Tuesday, in preparations for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 Kenya, set within the April FIFA International Women's Match Window.
The Blue Tigresses are slated to face the host nation Kenya in the semifinal on April 11 at 20:30 IST, with Australia and Malawi competing in the other semifinal earlier that same day at 16:30 IST.
The victors and losers of the semifinals will meet in the final and third-place match, respectively, on April 15. All matches will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. In the event of a tie, matches will proceed directly to a penalty shootout, eliminating extra time.
Among the four teams, India ranks second highest in the FIFA world rankings at 67th place. Australia stands at 15th, while the African representatives, Kenya and Malawi, are positioned at 133rd and 153rd, respectively.
Initiated in 2024, the FIFA Series is a global friendly tournament that includes national teams from different confederations. Its primary goal is to encourage significant friendly matches among national teams that generally do not compete against each other. According to FIFA, the overarching aim of the FIFA Series is to promote international football interactions, thereby contributing to the advancement of global football.
Crispin Chettri has been reinstated as the head coach of the Indian women's national team, having selected a squad of 22 players for this friendly tournament.
India's roster for the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya includes:
Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, Shreya Hooda.
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sarita Yumnam.
Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Shilky Devi Hemam.
Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar.
Head Coach: Crispin Chettri
FIFA Series 2026 Kenya Match Schedule:
Semi-final 1 — 16:30 IST, April 11: Australia vs Malawi
Semi-final 2 — 20:30 IST, April 11: Kenya vs India Third-place match — 16:30 IST, April 15 Final — 20:30 IST, April 15
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya.
Point of View
The arrival of the Indian women's football team in Nairobi for the FIFA Series 2026 underscores the growing significance of women's sports on an international platform. This event not only offers a chance for the team to showcase their talent but also fosters global interactions in football, promoting development in the sport.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FIFA Series?
The FIFA Series is an international friendly tournament that features national teams from various confederations, aimed at facilitating meaningful matches and promoting global football development.
When does the Indian women's team play?
The Indian women's team will face Kenya in the semifinal on April 11 at 20:30 IST.
Where will the matches be held?
All matches, including the semifinals and finals, will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Who is the head coach of the Indian women's team?
Crispin Chettri is the head coach of the Indian women's national team.
What is India's ranking in women's football?
India is ranked 67th in the FIFA world rankings, making it the second highest-ranked team in the tournament.
