India Qualifies for 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

India’s women’s football team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 by defeating hosts Thailand 2-1 in Chiang Mai, marking their first-ever entry into the tournament via the qualification process. Midfielder Sangita Basfore scored both goals for India, including the winner in the 74th minute, sealing a historic result against a higher-ranked opponent. India dominated Group B, winning all four matches, and ended their winless streak against Thailand. This will be their first Asian Cup appearance since 2022, when they withdrew due to COVID, and their first direct qualification since 2003. The result also keeps their hopes alive for a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2027, with further qualifiers in Australia. The victory was celebrated as a testament to the team’s resilience and collective effort.