Led by Japanese coach Futoshi Ikeda, Thailand entered the qualifiers with high expectations. Ikeda guided Japan to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Women's World Cup and has experience at the youth level, leading Japan to victory in the 2017 AFC U-19 Women's Championship and the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Since taking charge of Thailand earlier this year, Ikeda has focused on developing young players. His 23-player squad for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers included 17 players under 23. In Group B, Thailand performed well initially, defeating Timor-Leste 4-0, Iraq 7-0, and Mongolia 11-0.

Thailand (in blue) lost to India (in orange) 2-1 in the final Group B match of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers at the 700th Anniversary Chiang Mai Stadium, Thailand, on 5/7/2025. Photo: FAT

Going into the final match, both Thailand and India had 9 points, having scored 22 goals and conceded none. The match at the 700th Anniversary Chiang Mai Stadium was therefore decisive.

Thailand had never lost to India in their previous encounters. Their two most recent meetings, at the 2014 and 2023 Asian Games, resulted in 10-0 and 1-0 victories for Thailand, respectively. Thailand is also ranked 46th in the FIFA rankings, 24 places above India.

With home advantage, Thailand dominated from the start, hitting the post in the 17th minute. However, it was Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore who made the breakthrough. In the 29th minute, the 28-year-old midfielder volleyed the ball into the bottom left corner from outside the box, leaving the Thai goalkeeper no chance.

Two minutes into the second half, the hosts found a fortunate equalizer. Chatchawan Rodthong's inswinging cross from the left wing went low and awkwardly into the far corner without any player touching it. In the 56th minute, the ball struck the Indian post for the second time following another attack from the left.

Thai players thank the crowd at the 700th Anniversary Chiang Mai Stadium. Photo: FAT

Thailand's second conceded goal came from a corner kick on India's attacking left. The ball was crossed to the far post and headed back across goal, where Basfore headed into the empty net to secure the win.

At the final whistle, the Indian players collapsed on the pitch in tears. The Thai players were devastated, having missed out on the Women's Asian Cup finals for the first time in nine editions. They also lost their chance to compete for a spot in the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

"We are disappointed that we couldn't achieve our goal," coach Futoshi Ikeda said in the post-match press conference. "We cannot use our young players as an excuse for the loss. I hope these qualifiers were a good experience for them. Thai women's football needs to develop further."

Thailand's coach Futoshi Ikeda looks dejected at the end of the second half against India. Photo: FAT

The Japanese coach apologized to the fans. He was unsure about his next plan but said a meeting would be necessary to evaluate the team's performance.

Chatchawan, Thailand's goalscorer, admitted their performance wasn't good enough against India. "We need to improve our finishing and tempo control because we were too hasty, and we also need to be more focused," she said.

Meanwhile, India qualified for the first time since 2003. In the 2022 Women's Asian Cup, they participated as hosts. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they were unable to field 13 players for two consecutive matches against Iran and Taiwan, leading to their withdrawal from the tournament.

With Thailand's elimination, only the Philippines and Vietnam will represent Southeast Asia at the 2026 Women's Asian Cup finals, which will take place in Australia from 1/3 to 21/3.

Hieu Luong