The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Friday announced a final 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026, as preparations intensify ahead of the tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.
The team will be led by head coach Peter James Butler, who recently guided the senior side during their historic debut at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia earlier this month.
Defender Afeida Khandaker, who captained the senior team in Australia, will also lead the U-20 national side in Thailand.
Bangladesh will make their debut in the tournament, which features 12 teams and kicks off on April 1.
The contingent is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Saturday morning for Bangkok.
The team will play two closed-door friendly matches ahead of the competition — against India on March 25 and Jordan on March 27.
Bangladesh have been drawn in a challenging Group A alongside hosts Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
The tournament will be held from April 1 to 18 in Bangkok, with matches taking place at multiple venues, including Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani Stadium, and Rajamangala Stadium.
Bangladesh will begin their campaign against hosts Thailand on April 1, before facing China PR on April 4 and Vietnam on April 7.
Alongside skipper Afeida, players such as Mile Akter, Swarna Rani, Nabiran Khatun, Munki Akter, Sapna Rani, Umehla Marma, Alpi Akter, Mosammat Sagorika, and Sauravi Akanda Prity were also part of the senior squad for the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, though none were regular starters except Afeida.
Squad:
Mile Akter, Swarna Rani, Fardosi Akter, Afeida Khandaker, Surma Jannat, Sapna Rani, Nabiran Khatun, Umehla Marma, Mst Sagorika, Nadia Akter, Sinha Jahan, Munki Akter, Puja Das, Trishna Rani, Joynob Bibi, Shanti Mardi, Mamoni Chakma, Sauravi Akanda, Arpita Biswas, Momita Khatun, Sorovi Rani, Alpi Akter, Surovi Akter
