Amelia Valverde, a seasoned Costa Rican coach with significant international experience, is poised to join the Indian women's national football team as a mentor for their campaign at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is reportedly in the final stages of her appointment, with an official announcement expected soon. Valverde, who turned 39 recently, has a distinguished coaching career, notably leading Costa Rica in two FIFA Women's World Cups in 2015 and 2023. Her tenure with Costa Rica spanned eight years, during which she also guided them to various medals in Central American and Pan American Games. The decision to bring in Valverde is seen as a strategic move by the AIFF to inject high-level tactical acumen and World Cup exposure into the Indian squad, which is preparing for the continental showpiece scheduled from March 1 to 21, 2026, in Australia. India has been drawn into a challenging Group C alongside powerhouses Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei. The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 offers crucial qualification spots for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, making Valverde's expertise invaluable for India's aspirations. While some reports suggest she will take on a coaching role, others, like the Telegraph India and Hindustan Times, indicate a 'mentor' position, working in conjunction with the current head coach, Crispin Chhetri. This arrangement aims to supplement Chhetri's leadership without undermining his role, leveraging Valverde's experience in World Cup environments to benefit the team's development and performance. The Indian squad has already departed for Turkey for a preparatory camp, where Valverde is expected to join them along with her own goalkeeping and strength and conditioning coaches. Her recent role was with Mexican club Rayadas Monterrey, which she left in late 2025. This move signifies a significant step for Indian women's football as it seeks to make its mark on the global stage.