India Unveils Squad for SAFF Championship 2026 in Bangladesh

The Indian football team has officially announced its squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, set to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Led by head coach Naushad Moosa, the team aims to defend its title and secure a record-extending 10th championship. With matches scheduled against Pakistan and Maldives, the Blue Tigers are gearing up for a competitive tournament. The structure allows the top two teams from each group to advance to the semi-finals, culminating in the final on November 17. Discover the full squad details and match schedule in this comprehensive overview.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 30, 2026, 21:27 IST

India's Squad Announcement for SAFF Championship 2026

New Delhi, October 30: The Indian football team, the reigning champions, has announced a 28-member squad for the upcoming SAFF Championship 2026, set to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17. Naushad Moosa, the head coach of the India U23 men's team, will guide the Blue Tigers during this tournament. Bibiano Fernandes, who recently managed the India U15 men's team at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026, will act as the assistant coach, as stated in a release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Group Stage and Match Details

India finds itself in Group B, competing against Maldives and Pakistan. The team's first match is scheduled against Pakistan on November 5 at 15:00 IST, followed by a clash with Maldives on November 11 at the same time. Group A consists of hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. A total of 18 players will depart for Dhaka from Kolkata on November 3, while the remaining 10 will join the squad in the following days. India aims to secure its 10th SAFF Championship title, having won the last edition in 2023 by defeating Kuwait in the final held in Bengaluru.

Tournament Format and Schedule

The tournament will see the top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals, which are set for November 14. The final match will take place on November 17, with all games hosted at the National Stadium in Dhaka. M Satyanarayan, AIFF Deputy Secretary General, expressed gratitude to all clubs for their support in releasing players for the championship, highlighting their cooperation in allowing athletes to represent the nation.

Complete Team Roster and Coaching Staff

India's squad for the SAFF Championship 2026 includes:

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.

The coaching staff includes: Head Coach - Naushad Moosa, Assistant Coach - Bibiano Fernandes, Goalkeeping Coach - Parshuram Salwadi, and Strength and Conditioning Coach - Saifulla.

Match Schedule

India's match schedule is as follows:

15:00 IST, November 5: Pakistan vs India

15:00 IST, November 11: India vs Maldives

14:30 and 20:00 IST, November 14: Semi-finals

19:30 IST, November 17: Final

Venue: National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh.