AIFF announces reward for Indian team for qualifying for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday announced a reward of USD 50,000 (approximately Rs. 42.75 lakh) for the Indian women’s team after it secured qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

The Blue Tigresses beat higher-ranked host Thailand 2-1 in their final group-stage game on Saturday to qualify for next year’s competition in Australia.

Earlier, India recorded emphatic victories against Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0).

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“While the results may have appeared seamless on the pitch, they were the culmination of sustained planning and developmental efforts over the past few years. There were no shortcuts to success—this achievement was the result of a long-term vision and structured preparation,” AIFF said in a statement.

Forward Pyari Xaxa led the goalscoring charts for the team with five goals, all of which she scored in the opening game against Mongolia.

The Asian Cup next year will also serve as a qualifier for the women’s World Cup in 2027 and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.