Defending champions India have announced a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Head coach Naushad Moosa will lead the Blue Tigers as they target a record-extending 10th title, beginning their campaign against Pakistan on November 5.
Defending champions India have announced a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, scheduled to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Naushad Moosa as head coach of the national team, with the Blue Tigers preparing to defend their continental title and secure a record-extending 10th championship crown.
Moosa, who currently serves as the head coach of the India Under-23 men’s team, will take charge of the senior national side for the tournament. Bibiano Fernandes, who recently guided India’s Under-15 men’s team at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, has been named assistant coach.
India will enter the competition as defending champions after winning the previous edition in 2023. The Blue Tigers defeated Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru to claim their ninth SAFF Championship title. They will now aim to extend their dominance in South Asian football by lifting the trophy for the 10th time.
India have been drawn in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan. The defending champions will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 5, with the match scheduled to kick off at 3 PM IST. They will then face Maldives on November 11, also at 3 PM IST.
Hosts Bangladesh have been placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
The AIFF has also acknowledged the cooperation of Indian football clubs in releasing players for national duty ahead of the tournament. Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan thanked the clubs for supporting the national team’s preparations and allowing their players to represent the country.
He expressed appreciation for the clubs’ understanding and cooperation, stating that their support was important for India’s participation in the continental competition.
According to the AIFF, 18 members of the Indian squad will travel to Dhaka from Kolkata on November 3, while the remaining 10 players will join the team over the following days.
The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals. The knockout stage is scheduled to begin on November 14, with the first semi-final starting at 2:30 PM IST and the second at 8 PM IST.
The championship final will be played on November 17 at 7:30 PM IST. All matches of the SAFF Championship 2026 will take place at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
India’s 28-member squad for SAFF Championship 2026:
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.
With a combination of experienced players and emerging talents, India will look to maintain their strong record in the regional competition. Under Moosa’s leadership, the defending champions will aim to overcome their group-stage opponents before progressing towards the semi-finals and another potential title-winning campaign in Dhaka.
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