Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 9th February 2026, 6:54 PM
Bangladesh have named their 26-member squad for the upcoming 21st Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled to take place across five venues in Australia from 1 to 21 March. Among the selected players is Anika Rania Siddiqui, a Sweden-based forward, who is set to make her debut for the national team.
Anika joins the ranks of overseas-born players representing Bangladesh, following Sumaiya Matsushima, who was born in Japan and became the first expatriate woman footballer to play for the country. Aged 20, Anika has previously played for Brommapojkarna U-19 in Sweden and made her senior club debut last month in the Swedish Cup. With European football experience under her belt, she aims to bring tactical and technical expertise to Bangladesh’s national side.
Alongside Anika, there are two other newcomers in the squad: Alpi Akter and Sauravi Afrin, who have earned their first call-ups to the national team. Additionally, seasoned internationals Irin Khatun and Sauravi Akand return to strengthen the squad.
Bangladesh have been drawn in a challenging group alongside some of Asia’s most formidable teams: China, a nine-time champion; North Korea, three-time champions; and Uzbekistan, who have competed in five editions but never advanced beyond the group stage.
Group Stage Fixtures:
| Date | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 March | China | Defending champions; 9-time winners from 14 appearances since 1986 |
| 6 March | North Korea | Ranked 9th; champions in 2001, 2003, 2008; 10 total appearances |
| 9 March | Uzbekistan | Participated 5 times; best result – group stage |
The tournament will feature 12 teams divided into three groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing directly to the quarter-finals. The best two third-placed teams across all groups will also qualify for the last eight, creating a pathway to the knockout stages.
Progressing to the quarter-finals not only offers a chance at the Asian title but also qualifying opportunities for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Bangladesh Women’s Asian Cup Squad:
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Rupna Chakma, Mili Akter, Swarna Rani |
| Defenders | Afida Khandakar (captain), Kohati Kisku, Nabiran Khatun, Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Senior, Halima Khatun, Sauravi Afrin |
| Midfielders | Swapna Rani, Munki Akter, Irin Khatun, Shaheda Akter, Umhela Marma, Rituporna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Anika Rania Siddiqui, Unnati Khatun |
| Forwards | Alpi Akter, Sauravi Akand, Mosammat Sultana, Tahura Khatun, Mosammat Sagrika, Shamsunnahar Junior |
| Standby | Arpita Biswas, Sinha Jahan, Shanti Mardi, Tanima Biswas |
Head coach Peter Butler emphasises blending youth and experience to create a dynamic and competitive squad capable of challenging Asia’s best. With the inclusion of expatriate talent like Anika, the Bangladesh team hopes to make a mark on the continental stage and inspire the next generation of women footballers in the country.
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