Football

India vs Pakistan: SAFF Championship 2026 Group B Opener Preview

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 5, 2026, 13:31 IST

Defending champions India face Pakistan in their SAFF Championship 2026 Group B opener in Dhaka. Led by U-23 coach Naushad Moosa, the squad features a second-string side for the tournament.

India vs Pakistan: SAFF Championship 2026 Group B Opener Preview

The Indian football team begins its SAFF Championship 2026 campaign on Thursday with a high-profile Group B clash against Pakistan. The match, scheduled to be held at the National Stadium in Dhaka, marks the opening fixture for both nations in the tournament.

India enters the competition as the defending champion, having secured the title in 2023 after a victory over Kuwait in the final held in Bengaluru. However, the squad heading into this year's tournament features a second-string lineup. Under the guidance of U-23 head coach Naushad Moosa, the team will look to navigate the group stage without several senior players who are currently preparing for upcoming international friendlies against New Zealand under the leadership of senior head coach Khalid Jamil.

Tournament Context and Historical Rivalry

Historically, India has maintained a dominant record in this fixture. Out of 29 previous encounters between the two sides, India has emerged victorious 16 times, while Pakistan has recorded four wins. As the team looks to defend its regional crown, this opening match serves as a significant test for the younger squad members tasked with maintaining India's competitive edge in the tournament.

For fans looking to follow the action, the match is scheduled to kick off at 3 PM IST on Thursday, November 5. While there will be no live television broadcast for the fixture in India, the match will be available for viewers through live streaming on the Veto app. All match details are confirmed according to the information provided by the official broadcaster.