SAFF Championship 2026: Schedule, squads and live streaming details for India
Synopsis
India's Blue Tigers open their bid for a historic 10th SAFF Championship title against arch-rivals Pakistan on 5 November in Dhaka — with no TV broadcast in India this time. The entire tournament is exclusively on VETO, making this a rare major football event with zero cable coverage for Indian fans.
Key Takeaways
The 15th SAFF Championship runs from 5 to 17 November 2026 at the National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh .
Defending champions India open against Pakistan on 5 November at 3 PM IST .
India are in Group B alongside Pakistan and Maldives; their second group fixture vs Maldives is on 11 November at 3 PM IST .
Naushad Moosa manages the side, with Bibiano Fernandes as assistant coach; India field a 28-member squad .
India seek a record 10th SAFF title , having won 9 prior editions including the 2023 final against Kuwait.
Live streaming exclusively on VETO ; no TV telecast available in India for this edition.
The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship gets underway at the National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 5 November 2026, with six nations competing for South Asia's premier football title. Defending champions India open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in the tournament's very first match, with the final set for 17 November.
Group Stage Draw and India's Fixtures
The six participating nations — hosts Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — have been split into two groups. Group A features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, while Group B consists of India, Pakistan, and Maldives.
India's group-stage schedule is as follows: India vs Pakistan on 5 November at 3 PM IST, followed by India vs Maldives on 11 November at 3 PM IST. All group matches will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Knockout Stage Schedule
The group winners and the best two runners-up will advance to the semifinals on 14 November. The first semi-final kicks off at 2:30 PM IST, while the second semi-final begins at 8 PM IST. The final on 17 November is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST, also at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
India's Coaching Setup and Squad
The Blue Tigers will be managed by Naushad Moosa, who also currently serves as head coach of the India U23 men's team. Bibiano Fernandes has been named as assistant coach for the tournament. India have named a 28-member squad, though several first-choice players will not feature as they are committed to international friendlies against New Zealand later this month.
India's Record and What's at Stake
India are the most successful side in SAFF Championship history, having lifted the trophy on nine occasions. A victory in this edition would bring their tally to a landmark 10th title. India won the previous edition in 2023, defeating Kuwait in the final held in Bengaluru. This comes amid a broader push to elevate Indian football's regional standing ahead of upcoming FIFA World Cup qualification cycles.
Live Streaming Details
Indian fans can watch the SAFF Championship 2026 exclusively via live streaming on VETO. Notably, there will be no live telecast on any TV channel in India for this edition of the tournament. All matches run from 5 November to 17 November 2026 at the National Stadium, Dhaka.
Point of View
But the 2026 edition arrives with two uncomfortable subplots. First, the squad is weakened — several first-choice players are unavailable, leaving Naushad Moosa, primarily an U23 coach, to manage senior title expectations in hostile territory. Second, the decision to restrict coverage to a single streaming platform with no TV broadcast effectively walls off hundreds of millions of fans who rely on linear television. At a time when Indian football needs every visibility boost it can get, a streaming-only tournament risks a viewership collapse that could undermine the sport's fragile growth narrative.
NationPress
4 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the SAFF Championship 2026 being held?
The SAFF Championship 2026 is being held at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 5 to 17 November 2026. All matches, including the final, will take place at this single venue.
Where can I watch the SAFF Championship 2026 live in India?
The SAFF Championship 2026 is available exclusively via live streaming on VETO in India. There is no live telecast on any TV channel; fans must use the VETO platform to follow all matches.
What are India's match timings at the SAFF Championship 2026?
India play Pakistan on 5 November at 3 PM IST and face the Maldives on 11 November at 3 PM IST in the group stage. The semifinals are on 14 November (2:30 PM and 8 PM IST) and the final is on 17 November at 7:30 PM IST.
Who is coaching India at the SAFF Championship 2026?
Naushad Moosa, who also serves as head coach of the India U23 men's team, will manage the senior side at the tournament. Bibiano Fernandes has been named as assistant coach.
How many SAFF Championship titles has India won?
India have won the SAFF Championship nine times, making them the most successful side in the tournament's history. A win in 2026 would give them a landmark 10th title; their most recent triumph was in 2023, when they defeated Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru.
