SAFF Championship 2026: India drawn with Pakistan, Maldives in Group B
Synopsis
India face Pakistan on 5 November in Dhaka as the defending champions target an unprecedented 10th SAFF Championship title. The draw, held in Thimphu, placed the Blue Tigers in Group B alongside Maldives — two opponents they have dominated historically. Nepal's participation hangs on a FIFA ruling due by 1 September.
Key Takeaways
India drawn in Group B with Pakistan and Maldives for the SAFF Championship 2026 .
Tournament to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 4 to 17 November .
India face Pakistan on 5 November and Maldives on 11 November .
The Blue Tigers are chasing a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title , having won it nine times previously.
India hold a 16W-7D-2L record against Pakistan and a 13W-2D-3L record against Maldives.
Nepal's inclusion in Group A is subject to FIFA lifting the All Nepal Football Association suspension before 1 September .
Defending champions India have been placed in Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026 alongside Pakistan and Maldives, following the draw for the 15th edition of the regional tournament held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday, 1 August 2025. The Blue Tigers will be chasing a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title when the tournament kicks off in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 4 to 17 November.
India's Group Stage Fixtures
India open their campaign against Pakistan on 5 November, before facing Maldives on 11 November. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals on 14 November, with the final scheduled for 17 November.
Group A comprises hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Nepal will join Group A conditionally — only if FIFA lifts the suspension on the All Nepal Football Association before 1 September. Should the ban remain in force, the tournament will proceed with six teams instead of seven.
India's Record Against Group B Opponents
The Blue Tigers carry a formidable head-to-head record into the group stage. Against Pakistan, India have won 16 of 25 meetings, drawing seven and losing just two. Their most recent clash came at the 2023 SAFF Championship, where India triumphed 4-0.
The record against Maldives is equally commanding — India have won 13 of 18 encounters, drawing twice and losing three. The sides last met in an international friendly in Shillong in March 2025, with India winning 3-0.
India's Unmatched SAFF Championship Legacy
India are the most decorated side in SAFF Championship history, having claimed the title nine times — in 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023. Their last triumph came in Bengaluru, where they defeated Kuwait in the final. A 10th title would further entrench their dominance in South Asian football.
What to Watch
The India-Pakistan fixture on 5 November is set to be the marquee clash of the group stage, given the historic rivalry and the high-stakes regional context. With Nepal's participation still contingent on a FIFA ruling, the tournament's final structure will only be confirmed after 1 September. All eyes will also be on whether Bangladesh, as hosts, can make an impact in Group A.
Point of View
And the host nation Bangladesh in Group A could surprise. The real test of India's regional supremacy will come in the knockouts, not the group stage.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the SAFF Championship 2026 being held?
The SAFF Championship 2026 will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 4 to 17 November. The tournament draw took place in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 1 August 2025.
Who are India's opponents in the SAFF Championship 2026 group stage?
India have been drawn in Group B alongside Pakistan and Maldives. They face Pakistan on 5 November and Maldives on 11 November.
How many SAFF Championship titles has India won?
India have won the SAFF Championship nine times — in 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023. A victory in 2026 would give them a record 10th title.
What is India's head-to-head record against Pakistan in football?
India have won 16 of 25 matches against Pakistan, drawing seven and losing two. Their most recent meeting was the 2023 SAFF Championship, where India won 4-0.
Will Nepal participate in the SAFF Championship 2026?
Nepal's participation is conditional. They will join Group A only if FIFA lifts the suspension on the All Nepal Football Association before 1 September. If the ban continues, the tournament will be played by six teams.
