The Indian women’s football team will take on higher-ranked Russia in two international friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8 and 11.
The India vs Russia women’s football matches, part of the October FIFA women’s international match window, will be available to watch on live streaming.
The two fixtures will mark the Blue Tigresses’ first-ever international matches in Kolkata and their first outings since winning a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title in June.
India are currently 69th in the FIFA women’s world rankings – 42 places below world No. 27 Russia.
The Blue Tigresses will also be playing in West Bengal for the first time in a decade.
India’s only previous appearance in the state came at the 2016 SAFF Women’s Championship in Siliguri, where they went on to lift the trophy.
The Indian team has been training in Kolkata since September 18.
Goalkeeper Nandini and forward Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, both 19, will be among the players hoping to make their senior international debuts.
India and Russia have met twice previously in senior women’s international footballwith both matches played at neutral venues.
Russia won 8-0 at the Turkish Women’s Cup in 2021 before beating India 2-0 at the Pink Ladies Cup in the UAE in 2025.
Russia’s women’s football team will also be returning to India for the first time since 1994.
India vs Russia women’s football 2026 schedule
As per Indian Standard Time (IST)
October 8, Thursday: India women vs Russia women – 6:00 PM
October 11, Sunday: India women vs Russia women – TBD
Where to watch India vs Russia women’s football 2026 live
Live streaming of the India vs Russia women’s football 2026 matches will be available on the Indian Football YouTube channel. Live telecast of IND-W vs RUS-W games will not be available on any TV channel in India.
India women’s football squad for 2026 Russia friendlies
Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini
Defenders: Dhurga Perumal, Juli Kishan, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Mousumi Murmu, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Shubhangi Singh
Midfielders: Babina Devi Lisham, Baby Sana, Cindy Colney, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore, Santosh
Forwards: Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Renu, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sushmita Jadhav
Head coach: Crispin Chettri
Source: www.olympics.com
