India under-17 women will return to the AFC Asian for the first time in two decades appearances, becoming the third women’s national team to feature in an Asian Cup this year after the senior team and the U-20 side.

India’s journey to this stage has been built on a structured and continuous preparation period. Since January, the Young Tigresses have been in camp for more than three months, primarily in Bengaluru, focusing on physical, technical and tactical development.

They arrive in China after a series of competitive tours, winning the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship in February, securing two victories against fellow Asian Cup qualifying side Myanmar in Yangon in March, and testing themselves in three friendly matches against Russia in Sochi in April.

India’s group-stage schedule for U-17 AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026:

• May 2 — Australia vs India — 5 pm — Pitch 8, Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre
• May 5 — India vs Japan — 5 pm — Pitch 4, Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre
• May 8 — India vs Lebanon — 1:00 pm — Pitch 8, Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre

India squad for AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026:

Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam.

Defenders: Abhista Basnett, Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam.

Midfielders: Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Thandamoni Baskey.

Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Joya, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes.

When and where to watch India’s matches in the AFC Women’s U-17 Asian Cup?

All of India’s matches in the AFC Women’s U-17 Asian Cup will be broadcast live on the AFC Asian Cup YouTube Channel.

Published on May 02, 2026