India Unveils 28-Player Roster for SAFF Championship 2026
India's football team, led by coach Naushad Moosa, gears up for the SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka with a robust 28-player squad.
The Indian football squad for the highly anticipated SAFF Championship 2026 has been officially announced, boasting a total of 28 players ready to compete in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17. The defending champions are set to make their mark and aim for title number ten.
Team Leadership
Naushad Moosa has taken the reins as head coach of the Blue Tigers and will guide the team in this prestigious tournament. Alongside him, Bibiano Fernandes, who recently led the India U15 men’s team, will contribute as the assistant coach. With their experience and talent, the coaching staff is keen to lead the team to success again.
Group Stage Matches
India's journey begins on November 5, with their opening match against Pakistan, scheduled for 15:00 IST. Following this, they will face the Maldives on November 11, also at 15:00 IST. The squad finds itself in Group B, alongside the Maldives and Pakistan, while Group A includes hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
Travel and Expectations
On November 3, the initial 18 players will head to Dhaka from Kolkata, while the remaining ten members will join the group shortly afterward. Building on their victory in the previous SAFF Championship in 2023, where they triumphed over Kuwait in the final, the Indian team is determined to secure yet another championship title.
Advancing in the Tournament
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 14, with the championship match taking place on November 17. All encounters will occur at the National Stadium in Dhaka, setting the stage for thrilling football.
Team Composition
Excitement surrounds the squad as several players are named for their maiden appearance with the national team. The squad is as follows:
- 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.
Coaching Staff
In addition to Moosa and Fernandes, the coaching team also includes goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi and strength and conditioning coach Saifulla. Under their guidance, the players will look to harness their skill and teamwork throughout the tournament.
Match Schedule
The matches are set for:
- November 5: Pakistan vs. India at 15:00 IST
- November 11: India vs. Maldives at 15:00 IST
- November 14: Semi-finals at 14:30 and 20:00 IST
- November 17: Final at 19:30 IST
As the tournament approaches, fans are buzzing with anticipation. For the latest updates, fans can stay connected through social media platforms and dedicated sports apps.
