India will begin their title defence against arch-rivals Pakistan in the tournament opener at the National Stadium, Dhaka. The six participating teams are Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They have been divided into two groups, with India placed in Group B alongside Pakistan and the Maldives. Group A consists of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship is set to begin in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 5, with six teams, including defending champions India, competing for the regional title. The final will be played on November 17. The match is scheduled to start at 3 PM IST.
The Indian team will be managed by Naushad Moosa, who currently coaches the India U23 men’s side, while Bibiano Fernandes will serve as assistant coach. The defending champions will be aiming to extend their record haul of nine SAFF Championship titles and secure a landmark 10th crown. India have named a 28-member squad for the tournament, with several first-choice players unavailable due to international commitments and upcoming friendlies against New Zealand later this month.
After facing Pakistan on November 5, the Blue Tigers will take on the Maldives in their second group-stage match on November 11. Both fixtures will begin at 3 PM IST. India won the previous edition in 2023 after defeating Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru. The group winners and the two best runners-up will qualify for the semifinals, scheduled for November 14. The first semifinal will start at 2:30 PM IST, while the second will begin at 8 PM IST.
