Group of Grit: India Drawn With Japan, Vietnam & Chinese Taipei For 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Showdown
In what promises to be a fiery and high-stakes affair, the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup group stage draw has been officially revealed — and India has been placed in a challenging Group B alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei. With football fever rising and anticipation building across the continent, the group draw has already sparked serious conversations about India’s path to glory—or survival.
India’s Group B Opponents at a Glance
India’s group is anything but easy, and fans are calling it the “Group of Grit” owing to the mix of elite competition and emerging powerhouses:
- 🇯🇵 Japan: A four-time AFC Women’s Asian Cup winner and former FIFA Women’s World Cup champion (2011).
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam: Among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing footballing nations, known for their intense discipline and aggressive playstyle.
- 🇹🇼 Chinese Taipei: A historically strong team with unpredictable performances and a tendency to upset stronger sides.
- 🇮🇳 India: Hungry for redemption and eyeing progression to the knockout stage after a disappointing 2022 campaign at home.
🇮🇳 India’s Journey So Far — A Team In Transition
India’s women’s football team is undergoing a crucial rebuilding phase, focusing on youth development, fitness upgrades, and international exposure. With Thomas Dennerby likely to return as head coach and a fresh set of players rising from the U-20 and U-17 levels, expectations are cautiously optimistic.
Key Players To Watch:
- Manisha Kalyan – India’s first female footballer to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League
- Indumathi Kathiresan – Midfield maestro and team leader
- Shreya Hooda – Promising young goalkeeper with quick reflexes
AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Format Recap
The 2026 edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup will follow a 12-team format, divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarterfinals.
Tentative Fixtures For Group B:
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2026 | 🇮🇳 India vs 🇯🇵 Japan |
| Jan 18, 2026 | 🇮🇳 India vs 🇹🇼 Chinese Taipei |
| Jan 21, 2026 | 🇮🇳 India vs 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
Venues and kickoff times are expected to be finalized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the coming weeks.
Group Analysis: A Real Test For The Blue Tigresses
India will open their campaign against group favorites Japan, a team known for technical brilliance, lightning transitions, and rock-solid defense. While the odds may seem daunting, it could serve as a valuable learning curve for the squad.
The matches against Chinese Taipei and Vietnam are likely to be more evenly contested. These are India’s must-win fixtures if they hope to finish in the top two—or at least claim one of the best third-place slots to advance.
“This group is a challenge, yes. But it’s also a massive opportunity. Every player will be tested — mentally, tactically, physically. That’s where growth happens.”
— Former India captain Bembem Devi
Where To Watch – Broadcast and Streaming
Although final broadcasting partners are still being negotiated, Indian viewers can expect the tournament to be aired on:
- Sports18 Network (TV Broadcast)
- JioCinema and AFC.tv (Live Streaming)
International streaming will likely be available via YouTube and regional sports networks.
What This Group Means For Indian Football
Being drawn with one of the world’s best sides (Japan) and two dynamic teams (Vietnam & Chinese Taipei) places India in a high-risk, high-reward group. However, the upside is clear: exposure to elite football, potential breakthroughs by young talents, and the opportunity to write a new chapter in Indian women’s football.
Fan Reactions:
- “Group of death, but I believe in the girls.”
- “Japan will be a tough nut to crack, but Vietnam and Taipei are beatable.”
- “This is where champions are made — when they’re underestimated.”
The Road To Redemption Begins Now
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup is not just another tournament—it’s a litmus test for India’s progress in women’s football. Placed in a challenging group, the Blue Tigresses will need more than just skill; they’ll need heart, discipline, and unity.
With months of preparation ahead, Indian fans can look forward to a bold and spirited campaign—where underdogs might just roar loudest.
Will India defy the odds in Group B? One thing is certain: the journey will be one to remember.
