Bangladesh Begin SAFF Championship Campaign Against Bhutan on November 5

The 2026 Techno SAFF Championship is set to kick off on November 5 at the National Stadium in Dhaka, featuring host Bangladesh alongside Bhutan and Sri Lanka in Group A. Marking the return of the SAFF Championship to Bangladeshi soil after an eight-year hiatus, the tournament will begin at Dhaka’s National Stadium. According to the fixture schedule, the opening day will feature a marquee clash between India and Pakistan at 3:30 PM, followed by host nation Bangladesh taking on Bhutan at 8:00 PM.

Bangladesh has been drawn into Group A. Following their opener against Bhutan, the hosts will face Sri Lanka on November 11 at 8:00 PM, with the top two teams from the group advancing to the semifinals. Meanwhile, Group B comprises defending champions India, Pakistan, and the Maldives.

The Maldives will play Pakistan on November 8 before taking on India on November 11. Following the group stage, both semifinals will take place on November 14, the first at 3:00 PM and the second at 8:30 PM. The final is scheduled for November 17 at 8:00 PM. As per the schedule, all matches of the tournament will be hosted at the National Stadium in Dhaka.

This edition carries special significance for Bangladesh. The country last hosted the tournament in 2018, while its sole SAFF title victory also came on home turf back in 2003. Jamal Bhuyan and his team will begin their campaign eyeing a historical repeat. However, adjustments to the schedule remain possible. Nepal is currently excluded from the fixture list due to an active FIFA suspension; should Nepal be cleared to participate, SAFF will issue a revised schedule.