India Kicks Off SAFF Championship 2026 Against Pakistan in Dhaka

India's Blue Tigers are set to kick off their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign against Pakistan in Dhaka. With a rich history of encounters, India aims to defend their title after a strong performance in the last edition. Head coach Naushad Moosa emphasizes the importance of focusing on their game rather than the pressure of being champions. As they prepare for this crucial match, fans are eager to see if India can secure a victory and continue their quest for a record-extending 10th title. The match promises to be an exciting showdown between the two rivals.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 23:39 IST

India's SAFF Championship 2026 Opener

On November 5, defending champions India will launch their SAFF Championship 2026 journey against Pakistan in their first Group B match at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, starting at 15:00 IST.

The Blue Tigers, aiming for their 10th SAFF Championship title, will be under the guidance of head coach Naushad Moosa. Currently, India is ranked 138th in the FIFA standings, while Pakistan sits at 197th, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Historically, the two teams have clashed 29 times at the senior international level, with India securing 16 victories, Pakistan winning four, and nine matches ending in draws.

In their last encounter during the SAFF Championship 2023 in Bengaluru, India triumphed with a 4-0 scoreline, featuring a hat-trick from Sunil Chhetri and a goal from Udanta Singh Kumam.

Moosa anticipates a different challenge this time, stating, “We are going to face a different Pakistan team compared to the one we faced in the last SAFF Championship, and we are definitely prepared for that. We would certainly like to win the match. I don’t think there is any particular pressure. Rather, it is about having the motivation to give our best and put everything on the pitch. Hopefully, we can come away with a good result,” he expressed during a pre-tournament press conference in Dhaka.

He acknowledged the weight of defending the title while playing away from home but emphasized the importance of focusing on their performance rather than the pressure of retaining the trophy. “We are defending the title, and we are playing away from home, here in Bangladesh. As I said, I have come here with a young team because we also have friendly matches against New Zealand, with one squad (led by senior national team head coach Khalid Jamil) travelling there to play two games. What is important to me is that my players play with a free mind. I am not really worried about defending the title. What I am concerned about is playing good football. When the team plays good football, the results will follow,” he added.

India is grouped with Pakistan and Maldives in Group B, with their second and final group match against Maldives scheduled for November 11, also at 15:00 IST. Group A consists of hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, set for November 14, with the final match taking place on November 17.

India clinched the previous edition in 2023 by defeating Kuwait in the final held in Bengaluru and will aim to defend their title as they commence their campaign in Dhaka.