Pathum Thani, April 1 (IANS) After two decades, the Indian U20 women’s national team are finally back on the continental stage, as they prepare to face Japan in their opening match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 on Wednesday at the Thammasat Stadium here.

For India, the fixture is far more than just an opener; it marks the start of a carefully planned journey, shaped over months of preparation across continents and focused on forging a clear team identity.

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson highlighted the balance between ambition and realism as India step onto the big stage. “We are very much aware that we are new to this scene right now with the India team. We know we are facing tough opponents and we have respect for them,” he said.

He added, “But also, we have a mindset that we want to make it through this group and qualify for the World Cup. That would be fantastic for the whole country.”

India’s lead-up to the tournament has been meticulous. The squad’s preparation included friendly fixtures in Kazakhstan, a month-long training camp in Sweden, and a recent series of home matches against Uzbekistan.

“We have been together continuously for three months,” Alexandersson said. “Before that, we had friendly games in Kazakhstan. We have been to Sweden for a one-month camp, and we invited Uzbekistan to India as well.

“So the preparation has been good. I think we are ready for this tournament in a good way. Since the qualifiers in Myanmar, we have had some very focused work. We have evolved considerably — technically, tactically, and also mentally as a group. We are confident that our preparation has put us in the best place possible,” he added.

Their opening opponents, Japan, are among the most accomplished teams in the tournament’s history. Six-time U20 Asian Cup champions, the Young Nadeshiko also claimed the U20 Women’s World Cup title in 2018 and are widely regarded for their technical mastery and consistent performances at the youth level.

Japan head coach Akira Ijiri stated his team’s ambition clearly. “Our goal is clear. We want to break through the group stage and win the World Cup. We will do our best to achieve this goal.”

India know the challenge will be formidable, but they are approaching it with belief and focus. Drawn in Group C alongside Japan, Australia (April 5), and Chinese Taipei (April 8), India must finish in the top two, or among the two best third-placed teams, to reach the quarter-finals. Success in the knockout stages would bring them closer to securing a coveted spot at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.

–IANS

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