India Name 28-Player Squad for SAFF Championship 2026
Head coach Naushad Moosa names a 28-member squad as India aims for a record 10th SAFF Championship title in Dhaka.
The defending champions, India, have officially announced their 28-member squad for the upcoming SAFF Championship 2026. The tournament is set to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to November 17, with the Blue Tigers aiming to extend their dominance in the region.
Leadership and Coaching Staff
Leading the charge for the Blue Tigers will be Naushad Moosa, the head coach of the India U23 men's team. He will be supported by assistant coach Bibiano Fernandes, who recently concluded his tenure coaching the India U15 men's team at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026. The technical staff is rounded out by goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi and strength and conditioning coach Saifulla.
The Road to a Record 10th Title
India enters the tournament as the reigning champions, having secured the 2023 title after a victory over Kuwait in the final held in Bengaluru. This time, the squad is eyeing a historic milestone—a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title.
The team's journey begins in Group B, where they face tough competition from Pakistan and the Maldives. The tournament format dictates that the top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals on November 14, culminating in the grand final on November 17. All matches will be hosted at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
India's Match Schedule (IST)
- November 5 (15:00): India vs Pakistan
- November 11 (15:00): India vs Maldives
- November 14: Semi-finals (14:30 and 20:00)
- November 17 (19:30): Final
Squad Logistics and Club Support
To ensure a smooth transition into the tournament, the AIFF has arranged for 18 players to travel from Kolkata to Dhaka on November 3, with the remaining 10 players joining the camp in the following days.
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan expressed gratitude toward the domestic clubs for their cooperation, stating, “We would like to thank all the clubs for their cooperation and support in releasing their players for the SAFF Championship. We appreciate their understanding in allowing the players to represent the country.”
Full India Squad for SAFF Championship 2026
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.