Japan coach confident about winning Group C

Sydney

Japan women's football coach Nils Nielsen believes his team has a strong chance of winning Group C at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. The group includes Vietnam, India, and Chinese Taipei, and all matches will be played in Perth, Australia, starting March 4.

Speaking after the official draw in Sydney, Nielsen said, “We don’t want to disrespect any team, but we believe we can finish top of the group.” He added that topping the group could give Japan an easier match in the quarter-finals, possibly against a third-placed team.

Japan is ranked seventh in the world and is aiming to win the Asian Cup again, after last lifting the trophy in 2018. The tournament also acts as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with six spots available. A quarterfinal win would guarantee Japan a place.

This will be Nielsen’s first major tournament since becoming head coach last year. He said the team has been improving and praised the support they’ve received during preparations.

“We’ve played strong teams recently, and we’re ready to move from testing to winning,” Nielsen said.