India Face Thailand in Do-or-Die AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier
All eyes will be on Chiang Mai this Saturday as India take on Thailand in a decisive AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 qualifier. Both teams are level on points and goal difference, making this a must-win encounter for a place in the final tournament.
India, ranked 70th, have never qualified for the Asian Cup through the qualifiers and last featured in 2022 as hosts. Head coach Crispin Chettri called the clash a “huge opportunity” to boost women’s football in India and inspire the next generation.
Despite Thailand being ranked 46th and boasting a stronger pedigree with nine Asian Cup and two World Cup appearances, both teams have been dominant so far. India scored 22 goals without conceding, defeating Mongolia, Timor Leste, and Iraq. Thailand matched that record, making Saturday’s game a straight knockout.
Midfielders Anju Tamang and Sangita Basfore bring key experience, having faced Thailand at the 2023 Asian Games. “They’re quick and technical, but we’re ready,” Tamang said.
Victory would take India one step closer to a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2027.
