Amid administrative debates, ticketing controversies, and a relatively subdued festive atmosphere, the 15th SAFF Championship kicked off quietly in Dhaka on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Returning to Bangladesh after an eight-year hiatus, the regional tournament opens with traditional arch-rivals India and Pakistan facing off at 3:30 PM at the National Stadium, followed by hosts Bangladesh locking horns with Bhutan at 8:00 PM in their Group A opener.
Thomas Dooley’s squad enters the tournament aiming to end a 23-year regional title drought, having last lifted the trophy in 2003. However, the hosts will be missing star midfielder Hamza Choudhury due to club commitments, placing added responsibility on captain Topu Barman and the rest of the squad. Despite limited preparation time and minimal warm-up friendlies, coach Dooley and captain Barman remain firm that Bangladesh is no longer an underdog and is fully prepared to leverage home advantage.
Read nextWest Indies Rebound to 86/3 at Lunch After Early Strike from Taskin and HasanGroup A features Bangladesh alongside Bhutan and Sri Lanka, while Group B comprises defending champions India, Maldives, and Pakistan. With only two group matches before the semifinals on November 14 and the final on November 17, securing a strong start tonight is vital for the hosts.
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