Indian Women’s Football Team Campaigns in FIFA Series 2026 Kenya
The Indian senior women’s national football team, known as the Blue Tigresses, has arrived in Nairobi to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Kenya. This international window provides the squad with a critical opportunity to test tactical combinations and build momentum against global opposition.
Leadership and Coaching Setup
The team enters the tournament under the guidance of Crispin Chettri, who has been re-appointed as the head coach. Chettri’s return marks a strategic move to stabilize the technical leadership of the side.
Supporting the head coach is a specialized staff including:
- Assistant Coach: Sujata Kar, the recipient of the 2025 AIFF Women’s Coach of the Year award.
- Goalkeeping Coach: Fysal K Bapu.
Tournament Schedule and Venue
All matches for the event are hosted at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The tournament follows a knockout format leading to a final and a third-place play-off.
Match Timeline (IST)
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| April 11 | Australia vs Malawi (Semi-final 1) | 16:30 |
| April 11 | Kenya vs India (Semi-final 2) | 20:30 |
| April 15 | Third-place match | 16:30 |
| April 15 | Final | 20:30 |
The 22-Member Squad
Coach Crispin Chettri has selected a balanced 22-member squad featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.
Goalkeepers
- Adrija Sarkhel
- Linthoingambi Devi Maibam
- Shreya Hooda
Defenders
- Astam Oraon
- Juli Kishan
- Martina Thokchom
- Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam
- Purnima Kumari
- Sarita Yumnam
Midfielders
- Aveka Singh
- Babina Devi Lisham
- Jasoda Munda
- Priyadharshini Selladurai
- Priyangka Devi Naorem
- Sanfida Nongrum
- Shilky Devi Hemam
Forwards
- Karishma Shirvoikar
- Kaviya Pakkirisamy
- Lynda Kom Serto
- Malavika P
- Pyari Xaxa
- Rimpa Haldar
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Return: Crispin Chettri returns as head coach to lead the Blue Tigresses in Kenya.
- Elite Support: The coaching staff includes 2025 AIFF Women’s Coach of the Year Sujata Kar.
- Nairobi Hub: The Nyayo National Stadium serves as the sole venue for the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya.
- Competitive Window: The tournament structure allows India to face diverse international styles, including opponents like Kenya and Malawi.
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