Crispin Chettri has been reappointed as head coach of the India women’s national football team and has named a 22-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 to be held in Kenya.
The decision to bring Chettri back was recommended by the Technical Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), following the departure of former head coach Amelia Valverde of Costa Rica.
“Crispin Chettri has been re-appointed as the head coach of the Indian women’s national team. Chettri has named a 22-member squad for the friendly tournament,” the AIFF said in an official release.
Coaching Change Follows Disappointing Asian Cup Campaign
Chettri had previously been involved with the national side during the qualification campaign for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where he served as assistant coach under Amelia Valverde.
Valverde was appointed in January to guide the team through the continental competition, which concluded last month in Australia.
However, after India failed to progress beyond the group stage—losing all three of their matches—the AIFF opted not to extend Valverde’s contract, which had been valid until the end of the tournament.
The Technical Committee, led by former India captain IM Vijayan, subsequently recommended appointing an Indian coach to lead the team going forward.
Team Arrives In Nairobi Ahead Of Four-Nation Tournament
The 22-member squad, along with support staff, reached Nairobi on Tuesday for the four-nation competition scheduled during the April FIFA International Women’s Match Window.
The Blue Tigresses, as the Indian women’s team is popularly known, will begin their campaign with a semi-final clash against hosts Kenya women’s national football team on April 11.
The other semi-final will see Australia women’s national football team take on Malawi women’s national football team earlier the same day.
The winners of the semi-finals will advance to the final, while the losing teams will compete in the third-place play-off on April 15.
All matches in the tournament will be played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
India Women’s Squad For FIFA Series 2026
Goalkeepers
- Adrija Sarkhel
- Linthoingambi Devi Maibam
- Shreya Hooda
Defenders
- Astam Oraon
- Juli Kishan
- Martina Thokchom
- Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam
- Purnima Kumari
- Sarita Yumnam
Midfielders
- Aveka Singh
- Babina Devi Lisham
- Jasoda Munda
- Priyadharshini Selladurai
- Priyangka Devi Naorem
- Sanfida Nongrum
- Shilky Devi Hemam
Forwards
- Karishma Shirvoikar
- Kaviya Pakkirisamy
- Lynda Kom Serto
- Malavika P
- Pyari Xaxa
- Rimpa Haldar
Focus On Rebuilding Momentum
With a fresh coaching setup and a balanced squad featuring experienced and emerging players, the Indian women’s team will look to regain momentum and deliver strong performances in the tournament.
The FIFA Series 2026 offers an important opportunity for the team to test combinations, gain international exposure, and rebuild confidence following their Asian Cup campaign.