India's full fixtures for SAFF Championship 2026

India are placed in Group B of SAFF Championship 2026

The Indian men’s national team have been drawn with Maldives and Pakistan in Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026, following the draw conducted in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The 15th edition of the sub-continental tournament will be hosted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 4 to 17 as six teams are ready to take part in the tournament (excluding Nepal as their participation is still doubtful).

India's SAFF Championship 2026 fixtures are out! 🇮🇳The Blue Tigers will begin their campaign with a blockbuster clash against Pakistan before taking on Maldives in their second group stage encounter.#IndianFootball #SAFFChampionship pic.twitter.com/xNkF1m9k13

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 1, 2026

A brief look at the draw results

Hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are placed in Group A. In the event that FIFA’s suspension of the All Nepal Football Association is lifted by September 1, Nepal will be included in Group A. If the suspension stays, the SAFF Championship 2026 will go ahead with six teams.

India have been placed in Group B which undoubtedly emerge as the headline maker. The Blue Tigers have been drawn alongside Maldives and archrivals Pakistan setting up a high voltage India Pakistan face off at the regional stage.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, with Group A winners meeting Group B runners-up and vice-versa. The semi-finals will take place on November 14, and the final will be on November 17.

Group A

• Bangladesh (hosts)
• Sri Lanka
• Bhutan
• Nepal (If FIFA suspension is lifted)

Group B

• India
• Maldives
• Pakistan

India’s fixtures in the SAFF Championship 2026

Defending champions India, chasing a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title, will begin their campaign against Pakistan on November 5 before taking on Maldives on November 11.

India have a splendid head-to-head record against both their group stage opponents. The Blue Tigers have won 16 of the 25 meetings against Pakistan, drawing seven and losing only two. Their last face-off was in the SAFF Championship 2023, with India securing a dominant 4-0 win.

Against Maldives, India have a record of 13 wins, two draws and three losses in 18 encounters. The last meeting was in a friendly in March 2025 when the hosts clinched a 3-0 win in Shillong.

India have won the SAFF Championship on nine previous occasions — 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, and the last in 2023, when the Blue Tigers defeated guest side Kuwait in a memorable final in Bengaluru.

• November 5: Pakistan vs India
• November 11: India vs Maldives
• November 14: Semi-finals
• November 17: Final

• Venue: Dhaka, Bangladesh

India’s schedule for 2026:

• 21st September – 6th October 2026: FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026
• India vs Brazil – 3rd October, VYBK Stadium Kolkata
• November 5: Pakistan vs India
• November 11: India vs Maldives
• November 14: Semi-finals (if qualified)
• November 17: Final (if qualified)
• November 12, 2026: New Zealand vs India, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
• November 15, 2026: New Zealand vs India, One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch

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