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Kuala Lumpur: While Bangladesh are gearing up for their first ever appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™, the South Asian side will not be at Australia 2026 just to make up the numbers.

Decades of waiting was ended with spectacular performances in the Qualifiers as Bangladesh reaped the rewards of building from the grassroots and despite being the lowest ranked side to have qualified, Peter Butler’s side will enter the tournament with momentum and belief.

Factfile

‍FIFA World Ranking: 128

Head Coach: Peter Butler

How they got there: Qualifiers Group C winners

Previous appearances: Nil

Fun fact: Bangladesh will be the lowest ranked team in the draw

Butler, who took over in 2024, was firm from day one on what he expected from the players as he transformed the team’s mentality and playing style.

Not afraid to make tough decisions, he moulded his players into a potent unit and that was for all to see in the Qualifiers with Bangladesh winning all three games, scoring 16 goals and conceding just once.  

Tohura Khatun and Ritu Chakma headline the emerging talents, with the two expected to shoulder the creative and goal-scoring aspects while forward Shamsunnahar Jr, who scored twice in the Qualifiers, adds width and pace to a side that thrives on transitions.

Known for building disciplined, fearless sides, Butler has helped Bangladesh football believe they belong on Asia’s biggest stage.

“We’re not going there to be tourists,” he said after qualification. “We’ve earned this.”

The challenge will be tough but Butler’s players have already shown they are capable of punching above their weight.

With history made, Bangladesh will take on the continent’s best with confidence and resilience.

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