India name 28-member squad for SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka
Synopsis
India have named a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka, with Naushad Moosa taking charge as head coach. The defending champions, winners of a record nine SAFF titles, open against Pakistan on 5 November and are chasing an unprecedented 10th crown — making this campaign one of the most consequential in Indian football's regional history.
Key Takeaways
India announced a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026 , held in Dhaka from 5–17 November .
Naushad Moosa (India U23 coach) named head coach; Bibiano Fernandes appointed assistant coach.
India placed in Group B with Maldives and Pakistan ; open against Pakistan on 5 November at 3 PM IST .
The Blue Tigers are defending champions, having won the 2023 edition against Kuwait in Bengaluru — their 9th SAFF title .
A 10th crown would set a new record for the tournament.
18 players travel from Kolkata on 3 November ; remaining 10 join over subsequent days.
Defending champions India have announced a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 5 to 17 November. Naushad Moosa, currently the head coach of the India U23 men's team, has been appointed as head coach of the senior national side for the tournament.
Coaching Setup
Bibiano Fernandes, who recently guided the India U15 men's team at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, has been named assistant coach. The combination of Moosa's domestic youth experience and Fernandes's international exposure forms the backbone of India's technical staff for the title defence.
India's Group Stage Programme
India have been drawn in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan. The Blue Tigers open their campaign against Pakistan on 5 November, before taking on the Maldives on 11 November — both matches kicking off at 3 PM IST. Hosts Bangladesh are placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. All matches will be staged at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Road to the Final
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on 14 November — the first semi-final at 2:30 PM IST and the second at 8 PM IST. The final is scheduled for 17 November at 7:30 PM IST. India, who lifted the title in 2023 by defeating Kuwait in the final held in Bengaluru, are eyeing a record 10th SAFF Championship crown, extending their existing mark of nine titles.
Squad Travel and AIFF Statement
All India Football Federation (AIFF) Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan thanked member clubs for releasing their players. '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,' he said. The AIFF confirmed that 18 players will travel to Dhaka from Kolkata on 3 November, with the remaining 10 joining the squad over subsequent days.
Full Squad
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.
With a record 10th title in sight, all eyes will be on how Moosa's squad navigates a competitive group stage before the knockout rounds in Dhaka.
Point of View
But the appointment of Naushad Moosa — a youth-team coach with no senior international head-coach record — raises questions about continuity and readiness at the top level. India's group draw against Pakistan adds a politically charged opener that could set the tone for the entire campaign. With nine titles already, the pressure to deliver a 10th is real, and any early stumble — particularly against Maldives, who have historically troubled India at this tournament — would amplify scrutiny on the AIFF's coaching appointment. The real test is whether this squad, assembled from domestic league clubs, can gel quickly in a compressed timeline.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the head coach of India for the SAFF Championship 2026?
Naushad Moosa, who currently coaches the India U23 men's team, has been appointed head coach of the senior national side for the SAFF Championship 2026. Bibiano Fernandes, fresh from guiding the India U15 team at the FIFA U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, serves as assistant coach.
Where and when is the SAFF Championship 2026 being held?
The SAFF Championship 2026 is scheduled from 5 to 17 November 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with all matches played at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Who are India's opponents in the SAFF Championship 2026 group stage?
India are placed in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan. They face Pakistan on 5 November and Maldives on 11 November, with both matches kicking off at 3 PM IST.
How many SAFF Championship titles has India won?
India have won nine SAFF Championship titles, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history. A win in 2026 would give them a record 10th crown.
What is India's full squad for the SAFF Championship 2026?
India's 28-member squad includes goalkeepers Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Mohanraj K, and Priyansh Dubey; defenders including Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Nathan Rodrigues; midfielders including Farukh Choudhary, Liston Colaco-era creative talent, and Suresh Singh Wangjam; and forwards including Liston Colaco, Irfan Yadwad, and Suhail Ahmad Bhat.
