Amelia Valverde to Coach India at AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026

By: WE Staff | Friday, 16 January 2026

• Amelia Valverde set to lead India at AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
• Former Costa Rica coach with two FIFA Women’s World Cups experience
• Known for tactical flexibility and strong tournament management

India’s women’s football team is set for a significant transition as it prepares for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia, with Costa Rican coach Amelia Valverde poised to take charge. At 39, Valverde brings extensive international experience and a proven record at the highest level, having guided Costa Rica at two FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Valverde made her mark early, becoming Costa Rica’s senior women’s head coach at just 28 and steering the team to their first-ever World Cup qualification in 2015. Her tenure was defined by steady growth, including gold and silver medals at the Central American Games and a fourth-place finish at the 2022 CONCACAF Championship, which sealed Costa Rica’s place at the 2023 World Cup. While results at the global stage were mixed, her teams earned respect for their resilience and competitive structure in challenging groups.

After an eight-year spell with the national side, Valverde moved to club football with Mexican giants Monterrey, where she showcased a more attacking philosophy. In 21 months, she led the club to consecutive league titles, underlining her ability to adapt tactically and deliver results in different environments.

For India, this versatility could be crucial. Valverde is known to balance defensive discipline against stronger opponents with direct, attacking play when opportunities arise—an approach well suited to a tournament where India face heavyweights like Japan alongside more evenly matched sides such as Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.

Her appointment signals a strategic push towards global standards, backed by enhanced preparation through overseas training camps and specialist support staff. Beyond tactics, Valverde’s arrival also marks an important moment for representation, with a woman leading India’s team at a major continental event as they aim to move beyond the group stage and keep World Cup qualification hopes alive.