Indian Women's Football Team Coach Eyes Historic World Cup Qualification: 'Players Understand The Importance'

Last Updated:January 21, 2026, 20:47 IST

Amelia Valverde leads India’s women’s football team, targeting AFC Asian Cup 2026 and World Cup spots, guided by unity, bravery, and experience.

Indian women's football team coach Amelia Valverde (AIFF)

Amelia Valverde was named coach of the Indian women’s football team and the 39-year-old has big plans. Valverde began her coaching career at the age of 23 in Costa Rica and four years later, made history by leading her country at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In her twenties, she became Costa Rica’s first female head coach and made a notable impact with a 1-1 draw against Spain at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. This early success continues to shape her perspective. As she says, “I like my teams to be brave."

India now looks to Valverde as they prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, aiming to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. The challenge is significant, but the 39-year-old embraces it wholeheartedly. Although this is her first coaching assignment outside North America, Valverde brings experience from multiple World Cups and recent success, including winning back-to-back Mexican league titles with CF Monterrey in 2024.

Valverde joined the Indian camp in Turkiye 44 days before the opening match against Vietnam in Perth. With limited time, she is focused on quickly building understanding and unity. Reflecting on her decision to take up the role, she said, “It is a great responsibility. India have been doing important things in women’s football, and it has been more than 20 years since we last qualified for the Asian Cup. Now we have this opportunity to reach the World Cup for the first time."

Speaking about her early days with the squad, Valverde noted, “It is a very respectful group we have, and you can see that it is a group that has already been working. The players understand the importance of this."

She is supported by trusted staff members Eli Avila and Jose Sanchez, whose experience she values deeply. On Avila, she said, “He is someone I trust deeply," while Sanchez, she believes, will help players perform consistently at the highest level.

Valverde’s footballing philosophy centres on unity, aggression, and collective responsibility. As she explains, “I like teams that are united and supportive, both on and off the pitch, both defensively and offensively. No one is above the team." With limited preparation time, her message is clear: focus on the present and strengthen what already exists.

Drawing on her experience against Asian teams, Valverde emphasised belief and mental strength, saying, “Matches in these tournaments at such a high level are usually very tough and tight. Any moment can decide a game, so we must stay focused."

She hopes to write a new chapter with the Blue Tigresses, backed by faith, bravery, and the support of Indian fans.

News sports football Indian Women's Football Team Coach Eyes Historic World Cup Qualification: 'Players Understand The Importance'

Read More