The FIFA rankings may hide as much as they disclose, which is the problem. Even though Thailand led the 2026 AFC Asian Women's Cup qualifiers at 46, Timor-Leste, Mongolia, and Iraq are just as much of a concern for Crispin Chhetri. Because the head coach of India stated that he has "zero idea" about them.

Citing India's defeats to Bangladesh and Nepal in the 2024 SAFF Championship as proof, Chhetri explains why he believes rankings may be unreliable. India is placed second in the group at the age of 70; only the group's champions will advance to the finals in Australia in March. Although Thailand participated in the 2019 World Cup, India hasn't earned a spot on merit since 2003, and Chhetri, who celebrated his 50th birthday on Friday, isn't dismissing the possibility of an upset.

"I think Thailand are beatable if the players believe in themselves," Chhetri said. "Right now, we have begun to think that we could go to Australia." Chhetri is attempting to foster a positive mindset, and the remark fits within that framework. "I try to instill not to fear losing. Because the day you stop fearing losses is when you will be successful."

India plays Thailand on July 5, Timor-Leste on July 2, Iraq on June 29, and Mongolia on Monday. Every game will take place at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

When discussing India's qualification for the finals, Chhetri employs a low tone but is nonetheless forceful. If India wants to reach his goal of participating in the 48-team 2031 World Cup, he will need all of it and more. "I believe we have a realistic chance," he stated during a virtual meeting on Saturday.

The exclusion of goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan and defenders Ashalata Devi and Dalima Chhibber was explained by Chhetri, who said that the team is being constructed with 2031 in mind. They have a combined experience of 212 foreigners. All three participated in the 2024–25 Indian Women's League (IWL), which East Bengal dominated.

"It's not about form," Chhetri stated. However, they are not now automatic starters, he added. "Why should I block the place of a junior player? We are looking to create a core that will serve India for the next 10 years."

"Senior players but at the same time, younger players who are hungry" make up the Chiang Mai team. As a result, there is both drive and control." Soumya Guguloth is the Indian with the most goals in the IWL (nine), and Manisha Kalyan is an Indian forward who currently plays for PAOK in Greece. At the age of 23, Kalyan enrolled in the training camp immediately following the conclusion of the European season. Chhetri said that Manisha's mental fortitude is the reason she has been able to remain in Europe for three seasons while the majority of others have only lasted one.

Before their inaugural match, India trained in Bengaluru for about 40 days, played two friendlies—both of which they lost to Uzbekistan by a score of 0-1—and will have spent a week in Thailand. Chhetri claimed that he gave the players two weeks off because they needed a rest after IWL, even though the only thing he would have wanted was an exposure tour before the qualifying rounds.

That, plus staying safe from harm. India's under-17 World Cup captain, defender Astam Oraon, recently recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but forwards Sandhiya Ranganathan, Renu, and Karishma Shirvoikar are out due to fitness concerns. "We will miss Ranganathan," Chhetri said.

Chhetri has been juggling his responsibilities for India and Odisha FC, similar to what Manolo Marquez has done with the senior men's squad. According to his contracts with the club and the All India Football Federation, it will continue in that manner until February 2026. Chhetri, who guided Odisha FC to the championship in 2023–24, also stated that the qualifiers provide an opportunity to redeem his reputation because the team was relegated this time due to injuries and our lack of preparation for a strong bench.

Read Also: Oklahoma City Thunder’s Record in NBA Finals: Championship Count

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!