Bangladesh’s National Women’s Football Team has rewritten the country’s football history by qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time. Their qualification was secured after a thrilling victory against hosts Myanmar and a crucial 2-2 draw between Bahrain and Turkmenistan, making Bangladesh Group C champions.
With six points from two matches, Bangladesh stands ahead of Myanmar (three points) and Bahrain and Turkmenistan (one point each). Even if Bangladesh loses their final group match against Turkmenistan and Myanmar wins against Bahrain, Bangladesh would remain group champions due to their head-to-head win over Myanmar.
This historic achievement was sealed by Rituparna Chakma’s brilliant brace against Myanmar, earning Bangladesh their first-ever victory over the hosts in women’s football. The upcoming final group match against Turkmenistan on July 5 is now a formality, as Bangladesh’s spot in the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia is confirmed.
This marks Bangladesh’s first appearance in an AFC Asian Cup since the men’s team played in 1980, ushering in a new era for women’s football in the country.
