Overview

• In a winner-takes-all decider at Chiang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium, India outscored hosts Thailand 2-1 within 90 minutes to book their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
• Midfielder Sangita Basfore struck in the 29th and 74th minutes to overturn Thailand’s deadlock and deliver India’s first victory over the hosts in women’s football.
• The Blue Tigresses completed a flawless four-match qualifying campaign, adding to earlier wins of 13-0 over Mongolia, 4-0 against Timor-Leste and 5-0 versus Iraq for a +22 goal difference.
• This marks the first time India has advanced to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup through the qualification route, ending a 22-year absence since the 2003 edition.
• India will compete in Australia in 2026, using the continental championship as a springboard toward its maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup berth in 2027.