India Faces World No. 7 Japan in AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 30 July 2025

• Indian women's national football team has been assigned to Group C for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup
• India will play Japan, a top side from Asia and former World Cup winners
• The draw places India in a tough group stage of the highly rated continental tournament

The India women's national football team will be part of Group C for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup against group opponents Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei. The draw for the tournament was held Tuesday at the Sydney Town Hall in Australia.

India will face Vietnam in their first match on March 4, 2026 at Perth Rectangular Stadium and following that, India will play Japan, which is currently ranked 7th in the world, on March 7 at Perth Rectangular Stadium. Lastly, India will match up against Chinese Taipei on March 10, 2026 at Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney.

India is the lowest-ranked team in Group C and Vietnam and Chinese Taipei are 37th and 42nd on the FIFA ranking respectively. Their first Asian qualifier star, midfielder Sangita Basfore, who is one of Sydney's assistant draws and has been an amazing asset to India, is excited to play in the group despite being against the toughest opponents.

“It’s a moment of pride for all of us. It feels great to qualify based on merit,” Sangita said. “We know we will be against the strongest teams, but we are focused, motivated, and ready to show how we have progressed.”

2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup - Group Stage Draw:

Group A: Australia, Republic of Korea, IR Iran, and the Philippines

Group B: DPR Korea, China PR, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan

Group C: Japan, Vietnam, India, and Chinese Taipei

India's Match Schedule:

March 4, 2026: Vietnam vs India – Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth

March 7, 2026: India vs Japan – Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth

March 10, 2026: India vs Chinese Taipei – Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney