Goa to host SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 from May 25
India are also scheduled to play in a FIFA invitational tournament in Africa in April.
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 will take place in Goa from May 25 to June 7, bringing together seven national teams from across South Asia.
The South Asian Football Federation has confirmed that India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Bhutan are expected to compete in the regional tournament. India and Bangladesh recently featured in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia.
India remain the most successful team in the competition with five titles, while Bangladesh won the last two editions in 2022 and 2024, including a 2–1 victory over Nepal in the 2024 final in Kathmandu. The upcoming tournament will also mark India’s eighth appearance in the SAFF Women’s Championship, alongside Bangladesh.
SAFF general secretary Purushottam Kattel underlined the significance of the competition in a letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
“The women’s national teams from all seven SAFF member associations are expected to participate in the championship, making it one of the premier women’s football events in the region,” Kattel wrote to the AIFF, as quoted by TOI.
“This flagship regional competition continues to play a vital role in the development and promotion of women’s football across South Asia.”
The matches will be played at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, marking the first time the venue will host the women’s championship. Goa had earlier staged the SAFF Men’s Championship in 1999.
Goa Football Association president Caitano Fernandes believes the tournament will reflect the growing strength of women’s football in the region.
“Women’s football in South Asia is on the rise and if someone needed proof, it was evident at the Asian Cup,” Fernandes told TOI. “India and Bangladesh are among the top 10 teams in Asia, and Nepal too have a very strong team. I am certain that the quality of the matches will be top notch.”
India’s performance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup
India’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment as the team failed to secure a point in the group stage and conceded 16 goals across three matches.
India was drawn in Group C alongside Asian stalwart Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei. India was heading for a 1-1 draw against Vietnam in the opening game, but a late goal from Vietnam in the dying minutes of the game saw India go down 2-1 to Vietnam.
The second game against Japan was a nightmare for the Indian team and in the final game, India were the better team for the majority of the duration but suffered a 3-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei in the final game.
Bangladesh also endured a difficult tournament, losing their group matches against China, North Korea and Uzbekistan, all three of whom progressed to the quarterfinals. Nepal narrowly missed qualification after losing a decisive playoff against Uzbekistan on penalties.
India will also be eager to improve on their last SAFF Women’s Championship outing in 2024. The Blue Tigresses crashed out in the semi-finals after losing 4–2 on penalties to Nepal at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu following a 1–1 draw.
Sangita Basfore had given India the lead in the 62nd minute before Sabitra Bhandari equalised four minutes later.
Amelia Valverde likely to continue as India coach
Despite the Asian Cup setback, India head coach Amelia Valverde could remain in charge of the national team.
The AIFF is likely to extend the Costa Rican coach’s contract, which expires this month. Federation officials believe the 39-year-old deserves more time after being appointed less than two months before the continental tournament.
Valverde will soon submit a detailed report on India’s Asian Cup campaign. The AIFF technical leadership, including IM Vijayan, Subrata Pal and Syed Sabir Pasha will review the document before the federation’s executive committee takes a final decision.
India are also scheduled to play in a FIFA invitational tournament in Africa next month, and the federation hopes to settle the coaching situation before that competition begins.
When will the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 be held?
The tournament will take place from May 25 to June 7, 2026.
Where will the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 be played?
All matches will be held at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
How did India perform in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024?
India reached the semi-finals but lost 4–2 on penalties to Nepal after a 1–1 draw.
Who won the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024?
Bangladesh won the title after defeating Nepal 2–1 in the final.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.