Joakim Unveils India's 23-Player Roster for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Synopsis
Joakim Alexandersson has announced India's squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand, marking a significant return after two decades. The team will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in their group stage matches.
Key Takeaways
India's U20 Women's Team is set to make a comeback in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup after 20 years.
The team consists of **23 players** selected by head coach Joakim Alexandersson.
India's matches will be against **Japan**, **Australia**, and **Chinese Taipei** in the group stage.
Success in the tournament could lead to qualification for the **FIFA U20 Women's World Cup** in 2026.
The team has undergone extensive training, including camps in **Bengaluru** and **Sweden**.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the Indian U20 women’s team, has revealed the 23-player roster for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, set to take place in Thailand. This marks India's return to the tournament after a 20-year hiatus.
India is set to kick off their tournament journey against Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST at the Thammasat Stadium. Following this, they will compete against Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST at the Pathum Thani Stadium, concluding the group stage with a match against Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST, also at the same venue.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams from all groups, will progress to the quarter-finals. The winners of these quarter-finals will earn a spot at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland 2026.
The Young Tigresses arrived in Bangkok on March 20 and have had 13 days to adapt to the local climate. The traveling contingent initially included 24 players, but defender Alka Indwar has been released after the squad was finalized.
India commenced their current training camp in Bengaluru in January, following the conclusion of the first phase of the IWL. They then engaged in a month-long training camp in Sweden, where they played five friendly matches against senior teams from Swedish club sides. Upon returning from Scandinavia, they continued their training in Kolkata before heading to Bangkok.
India's 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand includes:
Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.
Defenders: Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.
Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari.
Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.
Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant coach: Paromita Sit
Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK
India's match schedule at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand is as follows:
April 2: Japan vs India
April 5: India vs Australia
April 8: Chinese Taipei vs India
Point of View
It’s evident that the announcement of India's U20 women's squad is a monumental step in women's football. The team’s qualification after two decades showcases the growth of the sport in the country, and the upcoming matches will be pivotal for their journey on the international stage.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does India play their first match in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup?
India's first match is against Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST.
How long has it been since India last participated in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup?
India last participated in the tournament 20 years ago.
What is the format for advancing in the tournament?
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.
Where will the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup be held?
The tournament will take place in Thailand.
Who is the head coach of the Indian U20 women's team?
The head coach is Joakim Alexandersson.
