India set for stern test against Japan in U20 Asian Cup football opener

Story by PTI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 01-04-2026

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Pathum Thani

India women's national under-20 football team is set to face a formidable challenge as it opens its campaign in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 against Japan women's national under-20 football team on Thursday in Pathum Thani.

For India, the match marks a significant milestone — their return to the tournament after a 20-year absence — and the start of an ambitious journey built on months of preparation and planning.

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson acknowledged the scale of the challenge but stressed that the team is entering the competition with both respect and belief.

“We know we are new at this level and will face tough opponents. But we also have the mindset to progress from the group and aim for World Cup qualification. That would be a huge achievement,” he said.

India’s build-up to the tournament has been extensive. The squad has trained together continuously for three months, including exposure tours with friendly matches in Kazakhstan, a month-long camp in Sweden, and additional matches against Uzbekistan. According to Alexandersson, the team has made notable progress technically, tactically, and mentally since the qualifiers in Myanmar.

Standing in their way is a powerhouse side. Japan, six-time champions of the competition, enter the tournament as favourites with a strong pedigree in youth football, including a U20 World Cup title in 2018.

Their head coach Akira Ijiri made his team’s intentions clear, stating that Japan aims not just to progress from the group stage but to ultimately win the World Cup.

India has been placed in a tough Group C alongside Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stage.

The stakes are high, as the top four teams in the tournament will secure qualification for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026, giving India added motivation to make a strong start despite the daunting opener.