Tigresses create history with Asian Cup qualification

The football history of Bangladesh has been rewritten by the National Women’s Football team as they secure qualification for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the very first time.

With a thrilling win over hosts Myanmar and a crucial 2-2 draw between Bahrain and Turkmenistan, Bangladesh has emerged as Group C champions, securing their place in the tournament which scheduled to be held in Australia.

After two matches, Bangladesh sits at the top with six points. Myanmar has three, while both Bahrain and Turkmenistan have one point each.

Even in the unlikely scenario that Bangladesh loses its final match against Turkmenistan and Myanmar wins against Bahrain, resulting in both teams ending on six points, Bangladesh would still be declared group champions due to their head-to-head victory over Myanmar as per the tournament bylaws.

Bahrain-Turkmenistan match played a key role in easing the path for Bangladesh. Turkmenistan had taken a 2-1 lead late in the game, which could have created a complicated scenario for group qualification.

A Turkmenistan win would have meant that if they defeated Bangladesh in the final match, they too would reach six points; potentially creating a three-way tie with Myanmar if they also won.

However, an injury-time equalizer from Bahrain sealed a 2-2 draw, putting all speculations to rest.

Now, Bangladesh’s final group match against Turkmenistan on July 5 is a mere formality.

Regardless of the outcome, Bangladesh’s place in 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia is confirmed.

This historic achievement was made possible by a stunning performance against Myanmar, where Rituparna Chakma scored twice to secure the nation’s first-ever win over the hosts in women’s football. Her brace not only clinched the victory but also paved the way for Bangladesh’s historic qualification.

The last time Bangladesh made it to AFC Asian Cup stage was in 1980; but that was the men’s team.

Now, 46 years later, it’s the women’s turn to shine on the continental stage.

The 2026 tournament will mark the beginning of a new era for women’s football in Bangladesh.