Shillong, Oct 15 – The Indian senior women's football team is set to compete in two international friendlies against Iran and Nepal later this month, during the FIFA match window. India, ranked 63rd globally, will face 70th-ranked Iran on October 21. Following this, they will play against Nepal, who are ranked 89th, on October 27. Iran will confront Nepal on October 24 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
The matches are integral to India's preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. The Blue Tigresses will regroup for the first FIFA window since their historic qualification for the Women's Asian Cup in July, following their victory over Thailand in Chiang Mai. An AIFF release stated this.
Both Iran and India have secured their spots in the 12-team Women's Asian Cup. Unfortunately, Nepal missed qualifying after a penalty shootout loss to Uzbekistan.
This event marks the second occasion that Shillong will host the Indian women's team. The venue previously hosted the 2016 South Asian Games, where the Indian women triumphed, claiming gold with a 4-0 victory over Nepal. Earlier this year, Shillong's capital, Meghalaya, was the venue for the AFC Asian Cup men's qualifier against Bangladesh and a friendly against the Maldives.
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