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A match between Maldives and India in a previous SAFF tournament - Photo: Images MV

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has officially announced that the 15th SAFF Championship will take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 4 to 17, 2026.

The South Asian regional flagship tournament was originally scheduled to take place between September 21 and October 6. However, the federation decided to move the tournament to November to allow India and Pakistan to compete in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup. The new dates start six days prior to the official FIFA international match window, which runs from November 9 to 17.

Key Events and Key Dates

• July 25, 2026: Official tournament logo launch in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

• August 1, 2026: Official team draw ceremony in Thimphu, Bhutan.

• November 4, 2026: Opening matches of the SAFF Championship in Dhaka.

• November 17, 2026: Tournament final.

Uncertainty Surrounding Nepal

Despite seven member nations in the region, Nepal's participation in the upcoming tournament remains uncertain due to an active FIFA suspension.

• Reason for Suspension: FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) following government interference in the national football governing body's decision-making process.

• Current Status: Unless the suspension is lifted by FIFA prior to the August 1 draw in Thimphu, Nepal risks being excluded from South Asia's biggest football tournament.

Growing Football Enthusiasm in Bangladesh

SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel described the timing of the announcement as a great milestone for football fans across South Asia. He highlighted the immense passion of Bangladeshi football supporters, who gained global media coverage during the recent World Cup for their intense support of Argentina.

"The announcement comes at an exciting time for football fans in South Asia. With football enjoying rapidly growing popularity in Bangladesh, we are delighted to confirm the country as the host, and we expect a vibrant tournament that players and supporters will remember forever." — Purushottam Kattel, SAFF General Secretary said.

Tournament Background & Host History

Established in 1993, the SAFF Championship is South Asia’s premier international men’s football tournament, organized biennially by the South Asian Football Federation.

The 2026 event marks

the fourth time Bangladesh will host the SAFF Championship:

• 2003: Dhaka, Bangladesh (Bangladesh won their first and only SAFF title).

• 2009: Dhaka, Bangladesh

• 2018: Dhaka, Bangladesh (Maldives won their second SAFF title).

• 2026: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Last Host Nation & Dates

• Last Edition: 14th SAFF Championship (2023).

• Host Country: India (Bengaluru).

• Dates: June 21 – July 4, 2023.

• 2023 Champions: India defeated guest team Kuwait 5–4 on penalties in the final.

Tournament Successes & Roll of Honor

• India (9 Titles): 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023 (Most successful team in SAFF history).

• Maldives (2 Titles): 2008, 2018 (Second most successful nation).

• Bangladesh (1 Title): 2003.

• Sri Lanka (1 Title): 1995.

• Afghanistan (1 Title): 2013 (Former member before joining CAFA in 2015).