In 1999, Pema Dolma Lama scored Nepal’s first-ever international goal in women’s football. At that time, she never thought that Nepal’s women’s football team would dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup.
“It is a proud moment,” Dolma said. “Now the women’s team is targeting the World Cup in 2031.”
Steps Towards the World Cup
Football is the most loved sport in Nepal. While men’s football has always been popular, women’s football is now also gaining attention.
Nepal has never played in a FIFA World Cup. However, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) believes the women’s team has a chance.
“Nepal has never reached the World Cup before,” ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah said. “But now, our women’s team can help us achieve this dream. We have a golden generation of players, and ANFA is serious about this opportunity.”
Nepal can qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2031 if they first qualify for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup. “If the women’s team enters the Asian Cup, they will also enter the World Cup qualifiers,” Shah added. “So, our main focus now is the Asian Cup Qualifiers.”
Hiring a Foreign Coach
To improve the team’s performance, ANFA is looking for a foreign coach with a UEFA pro-license.
ANFA will soon invite applications for the post. This decision was made in a recent meeting to plan the future of women’s football in Nepal.
Currently, the national team does not have a coach. Rajendra Tamang was the coach for a short tournament in February, but his contract has ended.
“We respect Nepali coaches,” Shah said. “But since we have a big goal, we need an experienced foreign coach.”
The AFC Qualifiers will start on June 23, so ANFA has little time to find the right coach. In the meantime, Nepal’s players will compete in the Lumbini Cup from April 3 to 13.
ANFA is also upgrading selection criteria for the national team. “We want our best players on the field,” Shah said. “We will also focus on diet and training facilities.”
Nepal’s Struggles in International Football
Nepal’s women’s team has not won an international tournament yet. In February, they lost to Myanmar in the final of the International Women’s Championship. Nepal has reached 13 finals in different tournaments but never won. They have also lost in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship six times.
“Bringing a foreign coach does not mean everything will improve immediately,” Dolma said. “But it gives hope. Our players are at an international level, so we need a coach to match.”
Nepali Players in Foreign Leagues
Some Nepali players are already playing in foreign leagues. Goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba is in Greece, and striker Rekha Poudel is in the UAE. Nepal’s top scorer, Sabitra Bhandari (Samba), is playing in France’s top division for En Avant Guingamp.
Nepal’s new men’s team coach, Matt Ross, has also praised Nepali women footballers. He believes more players, including midfielder Preeti Rai, can play in big leagues.
ANFA is also considering starting a women’s franchise league to further develop women’s football in Nepal.
Asian Cup Qualifiers
On March 27, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) held the draw for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. A total of 34 teams were divided into eight groups. Nepal is in Group H with Uzbekistan, Laos, and Sri Lanka. The matches will be held in Uzbekistan.
Nepal’s match schedule:
- June 29 – Nepal vs Laos
- July 2 – Nepal vs Sri Lanka
- July 5 – Nepal vs Uzbekistan
Nepal is the second-best team in the group based on FIFA rankings. Uzbekistan is ranked 50th, Nepal 99th, Laos 107th, and Sri Lanka 158th.
To prepare for the qualifiers, ANFA is trying to arrange friendly matches with stronger teams.
Mission 2027-31: The Long-Term Plan
Nepal played in the Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2022 but failed to progress. However, Dolma believes this time will be different.
“Our players are more experienced now,” she said. “We will qualify for the Asian Cup and then start Mission 2027-31.”
ANFA’s Mission 2027-31 is a long-term plan to take Nepal’s women’s football to new heights. The plan is led by ANFA vice-president Dipak Khatiwada. Asia has six spots in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Nepal hopes to claim one of them.
