The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship is set to commence in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 5, as six regional nations prepare to compete for the prestigious football title. Defending champions India enter the tournament with the ambition of extending their record-breaking haul of nine titles to a landmark 10th crown. The competition, which concludes with the final on November 17, will see all matches hosted at the National Stadium.
India’s campaign begins with a high-profile opening fixture against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 5, with kick-off scheduled for 3 PM IST. The squad, managed by India U23 coach Naushad Moosa with Bibiano Fernandes serving as assistant, features 28 players. This selection comes as several first-choice regulars remain unavailable due to international commitments and upcoming friendly matches against New Zealand.
Tournament Structure and India's Path to the Final
The six participating nations—Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—have been split into two groups. India is placed in Group B alongside Pakistan and the Maldives. Following their opener, the Blue Tigers are scheduled to face the Maldives on November 11, with that match also starting at 3 PM IST. Group A comprises hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
The tournament format dictates that the group winners and the two best runners-up will advance to the semifinal stage. These knockout fixtures are slated for November 14, with the first semifinal beginning at 2:30 PM IST and the second at 8 PM IST. The eventual winners will meet in the final on November 17 at 7:30 PM IST.
For viewers in India, the tournament will be available exclusively through digital platforms. While there is no television broadcast scheduled for the event, all matches will be available for live streaming via VETO. India enters the tournament looking to build on their 2023 success, where they secured the trophy by defeating Kuwait in the final held in Bengaluru.
