Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral Sports Desk
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to finalise a short-term contract with Costa Rican coach Amelia Valverde to guide the Indian women’s football team at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Australia from March 1 to 21. The decision is expected within the next 48 hours.
Valverde, 39, is likely to work alongside current head coach Crispin Chhetri, who successfully led India to qualification for the continental tournament following a historic victory over FIFA Women’s World Cup regulars Thailand. The AIFF’s move aims to strengthen the team’s tactical preparation while maintaining continuity within the coaching setup.
India have been drawn into a challenging Group C that includes world No. 7 Japan. Despite the tough draw, a quarterfinal finish would keep India in contention for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making the Asian Cup a crucial campaign for the national side.
Amelia Valverde brings strong international credentials to the role. She previously coached the Costa Rica women’s national team and guided them to notable draws against Spain and South Korea at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. More recently, she enjoyed domestic success in Mexico, winning league titles with Monterrey Femenil, further enhancing her reputation as a tactically astute and experienced coach.
The AIFF views Valverde’s appointment as a strategic step to provide the Indian team with global exposure and advanced tactical insight ahead of the high-stakes tournament, while ensuring stability through the continued involvement of Crispin Chhetri. The upcoming Asian Cup is expected to play a defining role in shaping the future of Indian women’s football on the international stage.
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