CHIANG MAI (THAILAND), July 5: All eyes will be on Chiang Mai this Saturday as India and Thailand clash in a do-or-die encounter for a coveted spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. With both teams level on points and goal difference, the winner will secure qualification — while the loser sees their journey end.
The match carries historic weight for the Indian women’s team, who are aiming to qualify for the continental championship through the qualifiers for the first time. Their last appearance in the Asian Cup came in 2022 as hosts, but they were forced to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The last time they qualified without being hosts was in 2003, when a qualifier process was not in place.
Led by head coach Crispin Chettri, the Blue Tigresses have enjoyed a dominant run in the group stage, racking up emphatic wins over Mongolia (13-0), Timor Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0). Thailand, meanwhile, have posted similar results — defeating the same opponents 11-0, 4-0, and 7-0 — leaving both sides tied with nine points and a +22 goal difference.
“This is more than just a qualification match,” said Chettri. “It’s a chance to boost Indian football and inspire the next generation of girls to dream big. We’ve prepared well, and while Thailand are a top side, we’re focused on finishing the job in 90 minutes.”
Thailand, ranked 46th in the world — 24 spots above India — bring significant experience to the table. They’ve qualified for nine consecutive Asian Cups and featured in the FIFA Women’s World Cup twice, in 2015 and 2019. However, recent form suggests India are up for the challenge.
Midfielders Anju Tamang and Sangita Basfore, who were part of the squad that narrowly lost 1-0 to Thailand at the 2023 Asian Games, believe the team is better prepared this time. “They’re a good passing team and tough to beat,” said Tamang. “But we’re confident in our game plan. We just have to stay sharp and fight till the end.”
If the match ends in a draw after regulation time, the outcome will be decided via penalty shootout — a scenario both teams hope to avoid.
A win for India on Saturday would not only mark a historic qualification but also bring them one step closer to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup — the ultimate dream for the rising stars of Indian women’s football.
