Bangladesh women’s football is on a roll. The national team and the U-20 women’s team have created history in the space of a month. For the first time, Bangladesh has qualified for the main stage of both the national and age-based Asian Cups. Next year, the Bangladesh national women’s football team will play the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. On the other hand, the U-20 team will play in Thailand.
The senior team returned home from Myanmar last month, securing their ticket to the Asian Cup. And last Sunday (August 10), Peter Butler’s team secured the U-20 Women’s Asian Cup by leading on goal difference despite losing to South Korea. In the previous two matches, Sagarika-Munki-Trishnara had flooded Laos and East Timor with goals.
After losing 6-1 to South Korea in the last match of the group, Bangladesh’s play in the Asian Cup was in doubt. Their fate hung on the results of other matches. In the end, luck was on the side of the Bangladesh girls. On the same night, Bangladesh defeated Lebanon by a huge margin of 8-0 goals. Bangladesh advanced to the main stage from the top three among the group runners-up teams.
The 12 teams for the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup were confirmed on Sunday (August 10). Host country Thailand will remain, while defending champions North Korea will play. In addition, Vietnam, Australia, India, China, Japan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei have confirmed their main draw.
These 12 teams will play the Asian Cup between April 1 and 18 next year, divided into three groups. However, the draw has not been held yet. The 12 teams of the U-20 Women’s Asian Cup at a glance: Bangladesh, Thailand, North Korea, Vietnam, Australia, China, Japan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Chinese Taipei, India.
FAQ
What historic achievement has Bangladesh women’s football accomplished?
For the first time, both the Bangladesh senior women’s football team and the U-20 team have qualified for the main stage of their respective Asian Cups.
When and where will the senior women’s team play the Asian Cup?
The Bangladesh senior women’s team will compete in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next year.
Where will the U-20 women’s team play their Asian Cup?
The U-20 women’s team will play in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, which will be held in Thailand.
How did the senior team qualify for the Asian Cup?
The senior team secured qualification after their performance in Myanmar, advancing as one of the top three group runners-up.