The upcoming edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is getting more interesting and exciting after the recent announcement of the Indian women’s football team placed in Group C with Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei.
Following the Indian women’s football team’s 2-1 victory over Thailand, the Blue Tigress was able to seal the spot in the tournament everyone dreams of.
Similarly, the 12 teams, along with the host Australia, will be gracing the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
India’s Placement in Group C
The Indian women’s football team has been drawn into group C of the coming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, following the historic draw ceremony held at the Sydney Town Hall.
The last time India participated in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup was in 2003. Now ending a two-decade-long wait, India has proved to the world that they deserve the spot in the tournament following their historic qualification campaign, topping Group B with wins over Thailand, Iraq, Timor-Leste, and Mongolia.
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According to AIF, India will play their first Women’s Asian Cup match against Vietnam on March 4 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, then they will face Japan on March 7 again at the Perth Rectangular Stadium and Chinese Taipei on March 10 at the Western Sydney Stadium, respectively.
Here is the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 draw:
| Group A | Group B | Group C |
| Australia | DPR Korea | Japan |
| Korea Republic | China PR | Vietnam |
| Iran | Bangladesh | India |
| Philippines | Uzbekistan | Chinese Taipei |
Similarly, the draw was reported based on the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, where India ranked 70th, earning a place in pot 4, while Japan is ranked 7th, Vietnam is 37th, and Chinese Taipei is 42nd in the world.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱! 🏆
🇮🇳 India are placed in Group C of #WAC2026 alongside Japan 🇯🇵, Vietnam 🇻🇳 & Chinese Taipei #BlueTigresses #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/1dvvdpAhW4
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 29, 2025
Fans’ Reaction on Social Media
Following the historic qualification at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the fans did not hold back their feelings, as it was their historic comeback in the tournament after two decades.
One of the users commented under the post of the Indian football team. He wrote, “No other thoughts. Clearest ever chance we’d get for our World Cup dream.
It would be a lifeline for AIFF as well. Some positive to show.”
However, there were many saying that India is placed in the toughest group since the other teams in the group are higher in ranking as compared to India.
Another user wrote, “Toughest group. But I am very confident that these girls will give the toughest fight to these teams. It will be a great learning experience, which will help in the AFC Asian Cup.”
Toughest group . But I am very much confident that these girls will give the toughest fight to these teams.
It will be great learning which will help in afc asian cup..— Amar talks (@Amar40676339) July 29, 2025
Read the other comments below:
The two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will play the quarter-finals. The winners of the quarter-finals are set to automatically qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
Similarly, the teams to lose in the quarter-finals will still be given a chance to play in the play-offs, fighting for the last two World Cup spots.
The quarter-final matches will be held between March 13 and 15, while the semi-finals are set for March 17 and 18 in Sydney and Perth.
The final will take place on March 21 at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Amit Mishra’s Take
From a football fan’s point of view, India being placed in Group C for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is historic and something that Indian football fans should be proud of. Following their two-decade-long wait for the tournament, the Indian women’s football team will finally be able to play in the tournament and possibly qualify for the upcoming World Cup edition.
Despite the fact that India has been drawn into the toughest group, this will be a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents on the global stage and earn more recognition.
I wish the Indian football team the best for their matches and expect them to give tough competition to the teams that are ranked higher than them in the FIFA rankings.
