New Delhi, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Defending champions India have announced a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17. Naushad Moosa, currently the coach of the India U-23 men’s team, has been appointed head coach for the tournament.
Bibiano Fernandes, who recently guided India’s U-15 men’s team at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, will serve as assistant coach.
India enter the competition aiming to retain the title they won in 2023 after defeating Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru. A 10th championship victory would extend their record as the tournament’s most successful team.
India have been drawn in Group B with Pakistan and the Maldives. The Blue Tigers will open their campaign against Pakistan on November 5 before taking on the Maldives on November 11. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 3 pm IST. Hosts Bangladesh are in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan thanked clubs for releasing players and supporting the national team’s preparations.
The federation said 18 players would travel to Dhaka from Kolkata on November 3, while the remaining 10 would join the squad over the following days.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on November 14. The first semi-final will begin at 2.30 pm IST and the second at 8 pm. The final is scheduled for November 17 at 7.30 pm IST. All matches will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
India 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.
FOLLOW NOW
