All eyes will be on Chiang Mai this Saturday as India face Thailand in a winner-takes-all clash for a place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
After more than two months of preparation and three dominant wins in the group stage, the Blue Tigresses are one match away from rewriting history. India have never qualified for the Asian Cup through the qualifiers route — the last time they featured was in 2003, when there were none. They did play in the 2022 edition as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
The stakes are higher this time. The path to a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 runs through Australia. “Qualification right now would be a huge boost for Indian football overall,” head coach Crispin Chettri said. “It would inspire more young girls to take up the sport and help the women’s game grow. For those already in the national team, it’s a chance to test themselves against Asia’s best — and possibly the world’s.”
On paper, Thailand hold the edge. They are ranked 46th in the world, 24 spots above India, and have qualified for nine consecutive Asian Cups and two World Cups (2015, 2019). Yet in the qualifiers so far, the two teams have been neck and neck. India thrashed Mongolia 13-0, Timor Leste 4-0, and Iraq 5-0. Thailand beat the same opponents 11-0, 4-0, and 7-0. Both sides boast a +22 goal difference — setting up a knockout in every sense. If scores remain level after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided on penalties.
Chettri knows Saturday’s test will be tougher but insists the approach remains unchanged. “We’ve respected every opponent and prepared diligently. Thailand are a stronger side and deserve that respect — but our plan is to finish the job in 90 minutes. We’re not thinking about penalties.”
Midfielders Anju Tamang and Sangita Basfore know what to expect. The duo featured when India lost narrowly to Thailand 1-0 at the 2023 Asian Games in China. “They’re a quality side,” said Tamang, who has a goal and two assists so far. “They like to keep the ball and play quick, short passes. We have to fight hard and play with the right spirit to get the win.”
For India, the equation is simple: a win in Chiang Mai keeps the dream alive — and brings the 2027 World Cup one step closer.
