Pakistan Drawn with India, Maldives in SAFF Championship
India will chase a record 10th title after being grouped with Pakistan and the Maldives, with the top two in each group advancing to the semifinals.
- On Saturday, the South Asian Football Federation drew defending champions India into Group B with Pakistan and the Maldives for the 2026 SAFF Championship during the SAFF Congress in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- Aiming for a record-extending 10th title, India will compete in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 4 to 17, entering as the tournament favorite after winning nine previous championships.
- The Blue Tigers hold a dominant record against both group rivals, winning 16 of 25 meetings against Pakistan and 13 of 18 encounters against the Maldives, including a 4-0 victory in 2023.
- Pakistan, known as the Shaheens, enters with renewed momentum under head coach Nolberto Solano after claiming a historic title at the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament in June.
- Group A features tournament hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, while Nepal's inclusion depends on FIFA lifting the All Nepal Football Association suspension by September 1, with semi-finals set for November 14.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Defending champions India drawn with Maldives, Pakistan in SAFF Championship 2026 - The Tribune
The Indian men's national team have been drawn with Maldives and Pakistan in Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026, following the draw conducted in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday.
The countdown to another high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan has begun. The draw for the SAFF Championship 2026 placed the two arch-rivals in the same group. Now, a thrilling clash between the two countries will be witnessed on the football field on Bangladeshi soil.
India vs Pakistan Confirmed as SAFF Championship 2026 Group B Draw Revealed | ⚽ LatestLY
India has been drawn in Group B with arch-rivals Pakistan and Maldives for the SAFF Championship 2026, hosted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 4 to 17. The defending champions will begin their record-extending tenth title bid against Maldives on November 5, followed by Pakistan on November 11. Catch all the action live on FanCode in India. ⚽ India vs Pakistan Confirmed as SAFF Championship 2026 Group B Draw Revealed.
SAFF Championship: Defending champions India grouped with Pakistan, Maldives
SAFF Championships: Defending champions India have been drawn with Pakistan and Maldives in Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026. The Blue Tigers begin their campaign against Maldives on November 5 as they target a record-extending 10th South Asian title.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
