India Begins SAFF Title Defense Against Pakistan With Depleted Squad

India begin their SAFF Championship 2026 title defence with a Group B match against arch-rivals Pakistan at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Squad Status

India enter the tournament opener with a depleted, second-string squad of only 18 available players. The senior side is currently touring New Zealand for friendlies, and Indian Super League clubs are reluctant to release players outside the official FIFA window. The remaining 10 players will join coach Naushad Moosa only after the international window opens on November 9.

Team Background

India are nine-time champions chasing a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title. In the FIFA rankings, India are placed 138th while Pakistan sit at 197th. Both teams have met 29 times previously in senior internationals, with India winning 16 matches, Pakistan claiming four, and nine ending in draws. Their last meeting took place at the 2023 SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, where India secured a 4-0 victory courtesy of a hat-trick by Sunil Chhetri before going on to win the trophy.

Coach And Opponent

India head coach Naushad Moosa noted that his team will face a different Pakistan side compared to their last encounter and stated that his squad is fully prepared. Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday, Moosa added that the team feels no particular pressure, drawing motivation instead to give their best on the pitch. Pakistan arrive under the guidance of former Peruvian international Nolberto Solano, featuring improved form and Danish-born captain Abdullah Iqbal in their ranks.

Context

The South Asian Football Federation Championship is the primary football tournament for national teams in the region, usually held every two years. Matches between India and Pakistan carry intense sporting rivalry, drawing large television and stadium audiences across South Asia.