CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Group B of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers has almost turned into a two-horse race after Matchday 3 as India and Thailand are level on six points, with the Blue Tigresses currently leading the table on goal difference.
Only the group winners will book their tickets to Australia. The two sides India have beaten so far — Timor-Leste (4-0) and Mongolia (13-0) — have been eliminated. Iraq, who suffered a 0-7 loss to Thailand, are on the brink of elimination as well. The West Asians will be knocked out if they fail to defeat India on July 2, which will set up the last match between India and Thailand on July 5 as a direct play-off for qualification. Until then, it is practically a race to get as many points and goals as possible to remain at the top, which would ensure qualification with a draw.
India currently have a +17 goal difference, while Thailand are on +11. After India play Iraq on Wednesday afternoon, Thailand will take on Mongolia in the evening.
Following the win over Timor-Leste on Sunday, India coach Crispin Chettri said he was happy with the three points, but also expressed concerns about a slow start in the first half.