Goa, May 11 -- The India women's national under-17 football team stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face China women's national under-17 football team in the quarterfinal of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup on Monday, May 11. A victory in the knockout clash would secure India a place in the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup - marking the first time an Indian football team qualifies for a FIFA tournament on merit.

India previously participated in the FIFA U17 Men's World Cup in 2017 and the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in 2022 as hosts. However, no Indian side has ever earned qualification through competition.

Coached by Pamela Conti, the Young Tigresses reached the quarterfinals after finishing third in their group and emerging as the...