The battle for regional football supremacy is heating up as defending champions India have been grouped with Maldives and Pakistan for the 2026 SAFF Championship. The official draw, which took place in Thimphu, Bhutan, sets the stage for a thrilling tournament scheduled to hold in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
India is looking to make history by clinching a record-extending 10th title when the competition kicks off on November 4. The Blue Tigers will start their journey on November 5 against Maldives before facing their long-time rivals, Pakistan, on November 11.
Group A features host nation Bangladesh alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The group could also include Nepal, provided that FIFA clears the All Nepal Football Association of its current suspension by September 1. If the suspension remains, the tournament will proceed with only six participating nations.
History heavily favors the Indians, who boast a dominant record against their group opponents. They have secured 16 victories in 25 meetings with Pakistan and hold a strong 13-win advantage over the Maldives. Their most recent encounter with Pakistan ended in a commanding 4-0 victory for India during the 2023 edition.
The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals on November 14. Winners of those matches will then face off in the grand final on November 17 to decide who wears the crown of South Asian football kings.
Source: aninews.in
