SAFF Championship 2026 draw places defending champions India against regional rivals

New Delhi, 1 August – The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship has officially set its group line‑ups. India, the five‑time reigning champion, has been slotted into Group B with Pakistan and the Maldives.

The competition, scheduled for 4‑17 November in Dhaka, will see the Blue Tigers kick off on 5 November versus Pakistan. Six days later, they will meet the Maldives. The top two teams from each group will move on to the semi‑finals on 14 November, culminating in the final on 17 November.

Group A will feature Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, while Nepal may join pending FIFA’s decision on its suspension. India’s record against the two Group B opponents is heavily in its favour – 16 wins, seven draws and two losses to Pakistan, and 13 wins, two draws and three losses to the Maldives.

India’s dominance in South Asian football is reflected in its nine‑time SAFF champion status, with title years spanning from 1993 to 2023. The upcoming tournament offers a chance to secure a historic 10th trophy.