India Set to Host AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

India, 17 December 2025 — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that India will host the qualifiers for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. The qualifiers are scheduled to commence in March 2026, and will be held across multiple venues in the country. This decision was confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as part of their efforts to promote women's football in the region.

The announcement marks a significant opportunity for India to showcase its growing interest and investment in women's football. The AIFF has expressed confidence in organizing a successful qualifying tournament, which will see participation from several Asian nations vying for a spot in the continental championship.

India's bid to host the qualifiers comes after a series of initiatives to bolster women's sports in the country. Hosting the qualifiers aligns with AIFF's strategic goals to enhance the profile and quality of women's football domestically.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup is a critical tournament in the Asian football calendar, serving as a qualifying event for the FIFA Women's World Cup. The event's successful execution in India could pave the way for more international football events to be held in the country in the future.

Preparations are already underway, with the AIFF focusing on infrastructure and logistics to ensure a seamless experience for the teams and supporters. The tournament is expected to draw significant attention, further elevating the status of women's football in India.