Bangladesh Women’s Football Team Makes History with AFC Asian Cup Qualification

A historic new chapter has been written in Bangladesh’s football journey. For the first time ever, the Bangladesh women’s football team has qualified for the final round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

This milestone was secured after a stunning victory over hosts Myanmar in Yangon on July 4, 2025. Later that evening, a 2-2 draw between Bahrain and Turkmenistan in the same group (Group C) confirmed Bangladesh as group champions with a match to spare.

With this result, Bangladesh became the first team from the qualifiers to secure a spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, joining Australia (hosts), Japan, South Korea, and China—the top three from the previous edition. Read the full report on Somoy News.

Bangladesh kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Myanmar, followed by a dominant 7-0 win over Turkmenistan. With 6 points from two matches and a strong goal difference, their place at the top of Group C is now guaranteed.

Led by seasoned captain Sabina Khatun and rising stars like Maria Manda, the squad has showcased tactical maturity, team cohesion, and unshakable belief.

The team’s third and final match against Bahrain on July 9 will have no bearing on their qualification—Bangladesh is already through.

More Than a Victory—A National Milestone

This marks Bangladesh’s first appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final round and the first time any Bangladeshi national team has qualified since the men’s team in 1980.

While the men’s side continues to struggle in their 2027 qualifiers, the women’s success stands out as a symbol of national pride and the growing strength of women’s sports in Bangladesh.

This achievement proves that with long-term investment, coaching, and community support, Bangladeshi athletes can thrive on Asia’s biggest football stage—and inspire a generation in the process.