Defending champions India will begin their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign against Pakistan on November 5 in Dhaka, as Naushad Moosa takes charge of a 28-member squad aiming to extend the Blue Tigers’ record title tally.
Defending champions India have announced a 28-member squad for the upcoming SAFF Championship 2026, which will take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17. The Blue Tigers will be aiming to defend their crown and secure a record-extending 10th title in the regional competition.
India U23 head coach Naushad Moosa will lead the national team during the tournament, with Bibiano Fernandes appointed as his assistant. Fernandes recently guided the India U15 men’s team at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026.
India have been drawn in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan. The defending champions will open their campaign against Pakistan on November 5, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 IST. They will then face Maldives on November 11 at the same time.
Hosts Bangladesh headline Group A, which also features Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
India Begin SAFF Championship Title Defence Against Pakistan
The Indian contingent will travel to Bangladesh in two groups. Eighteen players are scheduled to depart from Kolkata on November 3, while the remaining 10 players will join the squad over the following days.
India enter the competition as defending champions after winning the 2023 edition. The Blue Tigers defeated Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru to lift their ninth SAFF Championship trophy. They will now look to add another title to their collection and strengthen their position as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
The competition will follow a group-stage format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals on November 14. The final is scheduled for November 17. All matches will be held at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Speaking about the squad selection and preparations, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan thanked the clubs for their cooperation in releasing players for national duty.
He said, “We would like to thank all the clubs for their cooperation and support in releasing their players for the SAFF Championship. We appreciate their understanding in allowing the players to represent the country.“
India’s 28-Member Squad for SAFF Championship 2026
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.
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Naushad Moosa
- Assistant Coach: Bibiano Fernandes
- Goalkeeping Coach: Parshuram Salwadi
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Saifulla
India’s SAFF Championship 2026 Schedule
India will play their two Group B fixtures before potentially advancing to the knockout stages.
| Match | Date | Kick-off (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs India | November 5 | 15:00 |
| India vs Maldives | November 11 | 15:00 |
| Semi-finals | November 14 | 14:30 & 20:00 |
| Final | November 17 | 19:30 |
Venue: National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
With a title to defend and history within reach, India will head into the SAFF Championship 2026 looking to maintain their dominance in South Asian football. The Blue Tigers will hope that Moosa’s squad can deliver another successful campaign and bring home a record 10th championship title.
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