The India women’s national football team will open their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 campaign against Vietnam women’s national football team in Perth on Wednesday. The match will take place at Perth Rectangular Stadium. India return to the tournament after four years of heartbreak. This marks the first time the team qualified on merit.
Head coach Amelia Valverde said the squad feels motivated and focused. She described the tournament as a fresh opportunity to prove themselves. The team trained for 52 days across India, Türkiye, and Australia. They arrived in Perth three weeks early to adjust to conditions.
The tournament offers a direct route to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. Four semifinalists will qualify automatically. Other teams will get playoff chances. India, ranked 67th, aim to compete strongly in Group C.
Captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation. Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung acknowledged the tough contest ahead. India will also face Japan women’s national football team and Chinese Taipei women’s national football team in the group stage.
