The SAFF Championship returns with the ultimate subcontinental rivalry. Defending champions India clash with Pakistan to open their 2026 campaign. Group B action kicks off at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, November 5, at 15:00 IST.
India chases a record-extending 10th SAFF regional crown. However, the touchline dynamic looks entirely different this year. Head coach Naushad Moosa takes charge of a youthful, developmental roster. Senior national team manager Khalid Jamil is currently managing a separate primary squad for international friendlies against New Zealand on November 12 and 15 in Auckland and Christchurch.
A Fresh Tactical Challenge
The global rankings gap remains massive. India enters the tournament placed 138th in the FIFA rankings. Pakistan sits far
below at 197th. History heavily favours the Blue Tigers. The two nations have collided 29 times in senior internationals. India claims 16 victories and nine draws.
Their last encounter ended in absolute demolition. India thrashed Pakistan 4-0 during the 2023 SAFF Championship in Bengaluru. Sunil Chhetri buried a hat-trick, while Udanta Singh sealed the rout.
Moosa refuses to underestimate the opposition. He anticipates a vastly upgraded Pakistani unit arriving in Dhaka.
"We are going to face a different Pakistan team compared to the one we faced in the last SAFF Championship," Moosa told reporters during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. He dismissed the external pressure of defending the regional title away from home. "What is important to me is that my players play with a free mind. When the team plays good football, the results will follow. "
Group B Road Map
The path to the knockouts requires sharp execution. India shares Group B with Pakistan and the Maldives. Following the high-voltage opener, the Blue Tigers will wrap up their group stage commitments against the Maldives on November 11.
Group A features host nation Bangladesh alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The top two teams from each group secure semi-final berths on November 14. The grand finale takes place on November 17. India captured the previous edition by edging Kuwait in a tense final. Repeating that regional dominance with a young squad represents a massive test of Indian football's bench strength.
SAFF Championship 2026 squads
India: Arsh Anwer Shaikh (GK), Mohanraj K (GK), Priyansh Dubey (GK), Abdul Rabeeh, Bijoy Varghese, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Muhammed Uvais, Nathan Rodrigues, Ronney Kharbudon, Sandip Mandi, 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, Irfan Yadwad, Liston Colaco, Muhammad Suhail, Vishnu PV, Suhail Ahmad Bhat
Pakistan: Saqib Hanif, Hassan Ali, Yousuf Butt, Abdul Rehman, Abdullah Iqbal, Ali Khan Niazi, Easah Suliman, Haris Zeb, Haseeb Ahmed Khan, Mamoon Moosa Khan, Mohibullah Afridi, Waqar Ehtisham Baloch, Junaid Shah, Adil Nabi, Ali Uzair Mahmood, Hayyaan Khattak, Tufail Khan Shinwari, Zainul Abideen Ishaque, Muhammad Junaid, Ali Akbar Khan, Syed Ali Raza, Abdul Samad Arshad, Alamgir Ghazi, Kaleemullah, McKeal Abdullah, Najeebullah, Shayak Dost, Umar Nawaz.
