New Delhi: With dominant back-to-back wins, India and Thailand have surged ahead in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, setting up what could be a virtual play-off between the two sides on July 5. After Matchday 3, both teams are level on six points, but India top the table thanks to a commanding +17 goal difference, ahead of Thailand’s +11.
India have brushed aside Timor-Leste (4-0) and Mongolia (13-0), while Thailand have recorded wins over Mongolia and Iraq. With only the group winners qualifying for the continental showpiece in Australia, the July 5 clash between the Blue Tigresses and the War Elephants is shaping up as the decider. Iraq, thrashed 7-0 by Thailand, must now beat India on Wednesday to stay alive.
Despite the results, India head coach Crispin Chettri admitted he wasn’t entirely pleased with Sunday’s performance against Timor-Leste. “Victory is always sweet, but we need to start better,” he said. “We’re taking too long to settle and missing chances in the first half.”
Of India’s 17 goals in two games, 12 have come in the second half, underlining the team’s slow starts. However, the impact from the bench has been impressive. Lynda Kom Serto netted her first senior international goal after a sharp cutback from Grace Dangmei, a move Chettri called his “favourite goal” of the game. Substitutes Malavika P and Priyadharshini Selladurai have also chipped in.
Manisha Kalyan returned to the starting XI for the first time since February and made an instant impact, scoring twice. “She’s adjusting to a different role here compared to her club in Greece,” Chettri noted, “but she did well today.”
India’s joy, however, was marred by an injury to star midfielder and AIFF Women’s Player of the Year, Soumya Guguloth, who suffered a nasal bone fracture after a collision. She underwent successful surgery on Sunday night and is currently recovering.
“Soumya’s injury is a blow, but we have depth in the squad,” Chettri said, looking ahead to the remaining group games against Iraq (July 2) and Thailand (July 5).
With Iraq all but out, and both India and Thailand expected to win their remaining fixtures before the finale, it’s all coming down to the wire in Group B.
