India begin their SAFF Championship 2026 title defence with a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dhaka on Thursday
India will kick off its SAFF Championship title defence against its arch-rivals, Pakistan, on Thursday in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Notably, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) fielded a second-string side for the tournament as its senior team and head coach, Khalid Jamil, are prioritising the upcoming New Zealand friendlies.
The Blue Tigers’ charge at the SAFF Championships will be led by Naushad Moosa, head coach of the India U23 side. Bibiano Fernandes was named assistant coach, while Patshuram Salwadi is the goalkeeping coach and Saifullaย would serveย as strength and conditioning coach.
India & Pakistan set to lock horns
India are the defending champions, having won the title nine times. The Blue Tigers are chasing a record-extending tenth title and would aim to deliver a productive and dominant display in the tournament opener.
Pakistan, on the other hand, would have the likes of Abdullah Iqbal and has been performing decently under Nolberto Solano.
Considering that India have fielded the U23 side for the tournament, the contest could be far more competitive than it has usually been between the arch rivals.
More from Football NewsIndia vs Pakistan, SAFF Championship 2026: Check live streaming and telecast details
When will the India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match take place?
The India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Where will the India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match take place?
The India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match will take place at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
At what time will the India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match kick off?
The India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match has a kick-off time of 03:00 PM IST.
How to watch the live telecast of the India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match in India?
Fans in India cannot watch the live telecast of the India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match as there will be no live telecast for the same.
How to watch the live stream of the India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match in India?
Fans in India can watch the live stream of the India vs Pakistan SAFF Championship 2026 match on the OTT platform VETO app and website.
SAFF Championship 2026: India’s full squad
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.