Australia, 3 March 2026 – Head coach Amelia Valverde has set her sights on guiding the India Women’s National Team past the group stage of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with their immediate focus on a challenging opening clash against Vietnam.
Valverde represented India at the official pre-match press conference held at noon on March 3 (Australia time), one day before their Group C opener against Vietnam. The tournament also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, meaning both sides are highly motivated to chase a place on the global stage.
The opening match is seen as crucial in shaping each team’s chances of achieving their objectives. Valverde stated that her squad enters the competition with thorough preparation and a positive mindset. However, she acknowledged the strength of Vietnam, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 Asian Cup and secured a historic berth at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
“Four years ago, India were unable to complete the group stage, but now we are back with a new opportunity to prove ourselves,” Valverde said. “This is a fresh start, and we must represent our country in the best possible way. The team’s spirit is very positive ahead of the tournament. During our training camp in Turkey, we focused on hard work and careful preparation. We understand Vietnam’s style of play. They are performing well, so we expect a tough match.”
This marks the first time India have successfully advanced through qualification to reach the Women’s Asian Cup finals. Four years ago, despite hosting the tournament, they were forced to withdraw due to the impact of COVID-19. On their return, the South Asian side is determined to make a stronger impression and progress beyond the group stage.
However, Valverde will be without experienced midfielder Anju Tamang, who suffered a serious injury during training. Despite the setback, the coach remains confident in her squad’s cohesion and readiness.
“We have played together in many matches, so the team understands each other well and is prepared to deliver our best version. Our goal is to compete strongly in every game while creating a foundation for players to grow and showcase their abilities,” she added.
The Group C opener between Vietnam and India is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 PM (Vietnam time) on March 4.
VSN/RPT
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