Kathmandu: The Nepali women’s football team will embark on one of its most ambitious campaigns this Sunday, opening their 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers with a blend of immense opportunity and formidable challenges.

The qualifiers offer a historic chance as Nepal could reach the Asia Cup finals for the first time in modern women’s football history. But the path ahead is steep as only the winners of Group ‘F’ will advance, and the group includes formidable opponents in hosts Uzbekistan, familiar rivals Sri Lanka, and unpredictable Laos.

Beyond qualification for the Asia Cup finals, the group winners will also secure a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification process, which will determine 31 teams for the global showpiece.

Challenges for Nepal

Uzbekistan, the host nation, will pose the greatest threat. Nepal has faced the Central Asian side three times in the past—and lost all three. However, in football, current form, team quality and execution matter far more than past results.

Nepal must also contend with potentially punishing weather—hot and humid conditions—as well as the pressure of playing away, while Uzbekistan enjoys home advantage.

Nepal’s newly appointed head coach Patrick De Wilde of Belgium remains cautiously optimistic. “The expectation is to win. We play and train to win. But expectations must remain realistic. We can’t put undue pressure on the players or the team,” said Wilde.

Group ‘F’ teams preview

Uzbekistan

On paper and by past results, Uzbekistan are the favorites. Ranked 51st in FIFA (their best-ever rank was 38th in 2011), they have won three of their last five matches.

Their recent results include a 4–0 win over Palestine in June 2025, two 1–0 wins over India in Bengaluru on May 30 and June 3, and  4-3 defeats against Zambia  and 5-0 against China both in April.

Against Nepal, they hold a perfect record. The two met twice during the 2019 Nadezhda Cup—Uzbekistan won 2–0 in the group stage and 3–2 in the final. Their first meeting dates back to the 1999 AFC Women’s Championship, where Nepal suffered a 6–1 defeat.

Nepal

Nepal are expected to be a top contender in Group ‘F’. Currently ranked 100th in FIFA (best: 91st in 2017), the team, however, has not won in its last four matches.

They lost 2–0 to Thailand in an international friendly on June 2 and 1-0 against the same team on May 30 at a closed-door unofficial match. Nepal were defeated 2–0 by Myanmar in the final of the International Women’s Championship in February before playing 2-2 draw against the same opponent in the group stage.

Nepal’s last win came on February 20, when they beat Lebanon 1–0 during the group stage of the International Championship at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.

Laos

Laos are ranked 107th in FIFA, and while they have potential, they’re on a poor run of form. Their best ranking came in 2009 (73rd), and they have yet to win any of their last five games.

They Lost 1–0 to Singapore in the 2024 AFF Women’s Cup and drew 0–0 against East Timor in November. A month earlier, they were defeated 4-0 by Saudi Arabia and 3-0 by Malaysia

Nepal and Laos have never met in an official women’s football match.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, ranked 159th, are the lowest-ranked side in the group and familiar foes to Nepal. The two have met eight times, with Nepal winning all matches, scoring 30 goals and conceding none.

In their last four matches, Sri Lanka lost 2–0 to Saudi Arabia in April 2025, 6–0 to Nepal and 4–1 to Bhutan in SAFF Women’s Championship 2024. They defeated the Maldives 1–0 in SAFF in Kathmandu.

Can a change in guard make a difference for Nepal?

Nepal’s appointment of Patrick De Wilde on June 6 has raised hopes. The Belgian is the first UEFA Pro License coach to lead the Nepali women’s national team. Players have reported a noticeable shift in approach and preparation.

“There’s been a huge improvement in tactical and technical aspects since the new coach arrived,” said captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba. “Team bonding and preparation have been strong. This is a big opportunity for all of us, and I’m hopeful of a positive outcome.”

Star striker Sabitra Bhandari echoed the same sentiment. “The atmosphere is positive and motivating. This tournament is as significant as the World Cup to us. We have to be fully focused from the first match. Uzbekistan are tough, and they have home advantage, but we must fight with confidence.”

Nepal coach Patrick De Wilde.  

Coach Wilde, however, maintains a grounded outlook. “We train to win, but we didn’t even manage a single friendly before this qualifier. We must be realistic—Nepal hasn’t won in the last four matches. Let’s focus first on Laos, then Sri Lanka, and finally Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks sit at 51 position in FIFA rankings and we expect an easy win against them! We can help a new process to start,” he said.