India Drawn Alongside Pakistan and Maldives in SAFF Championship 2026 Group Stage

The draw for the 15th edition of the SAFF Championship has set the stage for another exciting chapter in South Asian football, with defending champions India placed in Group B alongside Pakistan and the Maldives. 

The tournament will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 4 to 17, bringing together the region's top footballing nations in one of South Asia's oldest and most prestigious competitions.

Since its inception in 1993, the SAFF Championship has served as the premier international tournament in the region, providing a platform for emerging talent while nurturing long-standing footballing rivalries. Over the years, it has played a significant role in the development of football across South Asia and continues to be one of the most anticipated events on the regional calendar.

As defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament's history, the Blue Tigers will enter the competition with high expectations. Having lifted the title on home soil in 2023, India will now aim to retain the championship and claim a record-extending 10th SAFF title.

India's placement in Group B ensures two familiar opponents in Pakistan and the Maldives, both of whom have shared memorable encounters with the Blue Tigers over the years. While India will start the tournament as favourites on paper, neither fixture is expected to be straightforward. Pakistan has consistently elevated the intensity whenever the two nations meet, with the rivalry extending beyond football and generating immense interest among supporters across the region.

The Maldives, meanwhile, remain one of South Asia's strongest footballing nations and have often challenged India in major regional competitions. Their experience and tactical discipline make them a dangerous opponent capable of upsetting any team on their day.

With only the top two teams from each group progressing to the semifinals, every point during the group stage will be crucial.

Group A Awaits Nepal Decision

Group A currently consists of hosts Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, while Nepal's participation remains uncertain. The uncertainty stems from the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association by FIFA. Nepal will only be included in this year's tournament if the suspension is lifted before September 1.

Should Nepal return in time, Group A will feature four teams, adding another competitive dimension to the tournament. Until then, organisers have confirmed the participation of six nations.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, where the winners of Group A will face the runners-up from Group B, while the Group B winners will take on the Group A runners-up.

The semifinals are scheduled for November 14, with the final set to be played on November 17.

SAFF Championship 2026 Groups

Group A

• Bangladesh (Hosts)

• Sri Lanka

• Bhutan

• Nepal (Subject to FIFA lifting suspension)

Group B

• India

• Maldives

• Pakistan

India head into the competition as the most decorated nation in SAFF Championship history, having won the tournament nine times. The Blue Tigers successfully defended their regional dominance in 2023, defeating Kuwait 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling final in Bengaluru. That triumph further strengthened India's position as the benchmark in South Asian football.

Now under head coach Khalid Jamil, India will be aiming to continue that legacy while also building towards future international competitions. Jamil has gradually introduced several promising young players into the national setup, and the SAFF Championship presents another valuable opportunity for them to gain international tournament experience.

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The squad combines experienced campaigners with emerging talent, giving India a balanced group capable of competing for another title.

India will begin their campaign against Pakistan on November 5 in what is expected to be one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament. Matches between the two nations have always attracted enormous attention, and this year's encounter is unlikely to be any different. Historically, India has dominated this rivalry in the SAFF Championship. The Blue Tigers have defeated Pakistan 16 times, suffered just two defeats and shared seven draws.

The most recent meeting came during the 2023 SAFF Championship, where India produced a commanding 4-0 victory.

Despite that record, India will be wary of underestimating their rivals, especially in tournament football, where pressure often produces unpredictable results.

India's second group-stage fixture comes against the Maldives on November 11. The Blue Tigers also hold an impressive record in this fixture, winning 13 of their 18 meetings while drawing two and losing three. Their most recent encounter ended in a convincing 3-0 victory for India in Shillong in March 2025.

While history favours India against both opponents, Khalid Jamil's side will understand that performances on the pitch will ultimately determine their progress. India's campaign begins with the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan before concluding the group stage against the Maldives.

India's Fixtures

• November 5: India vs Pakistan

• November 11: India vs Maldives

• November 14: Semifinal (if qualified)

• November 17: Final (if qualified)

As the countdown to the tournament begins, India once again carries the weight of expectations. With nine SAFF Championship titles already in their cabinet and a talented squad eager to make its mark under Khalid Jamil, the Blue Tigers will be determined to defend their crown.

The draw has set up an intriguing group stage featuring familiar rivals, historic rivalries and the opportunity for India to move one step closer to a remarkable 10th SAFF Championship title.