The SAFF Championship 2026 is set to begin with a blockbuster India vs Pakistan football match as the two arch-rivals prepare to renew their rivalry in the opening fixture of the regional tournament on November 5 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The 15th edition of the SAFF Cup will run from November 5 to 17, with six South Asian nations competing for the prestigious continental title.
Defending champions India will aim to extend their dominance in the competition and secure a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title. The Blue Tigers, who won the previous edition in 2023, will face Pakistan in their opening Group B encounter before taking on the Maldives in their second group-stage fixture.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and the Maldives are the six participating teams in the tournament. Nepal will not feature in this edition following its suspension by FIFA.
All matches of the SAFF Championship 2026 will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
SAFF Championship 2026: Groups And Tournament Format
The six participating teams have been divided into two groups of three teams each.
Group A: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka
Group B: India, Pakistan, Maldives
The teams will compete in a single round-robin format within their respective groups. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 14. The winners of the semi-finals will then compete in the final on November 17.
India are the most successful team in the history of the SAFF Championship, having lifted the trophy nine times. Their previous triumph came in the 2023 edition, when they defeated Kuwait in the final following a penalty shootout in Bengaluru.
SAFF Championship 2026: Full Schedule And Fixtures
The SAFF Championship 2026 will begin on November 5, with India taking on Pakistan in the opening match. Hosts Bangladesh will also begin their campaign on the same day against Bhutan.
| Date | Fixture | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| November 5 | Pakistan vs India | 3:00 PM |
| November 5 | Bangladesh vs Bhutan | 7:30 PM |
| November 8 | Maldives vs Pakistan | 3:00 PM |
| November 8 | Bhutan vs Sri Lanka | 7:30 PM |
| November 11 | India vs Maldives | 3:00 PM |
| November 11 | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | 7:30 PM |
| November 14 | Semi-final 1 | 2:30 PM |
| November 14 | Semi-final 2 | 8:00 PM |
| November 17 | Final | 7:30 PM |
India vs Pakistan Football Match: When And Where To Watch Live?
The India vs Pakistan football match in the SAFF Championship 2026 will take place on November 5 at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
The Group B encounter is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM IST. Indian football fans can watch the match live on the VETO OTT platform, which has secured the digital streaming rights for the tournament in India.
As of November 3, a separate television broadcast partner for the competition in India has not been announced. Viewers should follow official broadcaster updates for further information regarding television coverage.
In Bangladesh, T-Sports will provide television coverage, while the Bongo OTT platform has secured digital streaming rights. In Pakistan, Myco has secured the broadcast and OTT rights.
India Squad For SAFF Championship 2026
India will be coached by Naushad Moosa, who will be assisted by Bibiano Fernandes. The coaching duo will look to guide the Blue Tigers towards another successful campaign in the regional competition.
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India's Squad
Goalkeepers: Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Mohanraj K, Priyansh Dubey.
Defenders: Abdul Rabeeh, Bijoy Varghese, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Muhammed Uvais, Nathan Rodrigues, Ronney Kharbudon, Sandip Mandi.
Midfielders: Abhishek Suryavanshi, Adison Singh Thokchom, Brison Fernandes, Ebindas Yesudasan, Farukh Choudhary, Macarton Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, Noufal PN, Ricky John Shabong, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Liston Colaco, Muhammad Suhail, Vishnu PV, Suhail Ahmad Bhat.