SAFF Championship 2026: India’s participation uncertain amid scheduling, player-release concerns

India has confirmed two international friendlies with New Zealand during the November international window: in Auckland on November 12, and in Christchurch three days later. | Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK

India’s participation in the upcoming SAFF Championship remains uncertain as the tournament clashes with the senior men’s team’s international commitments in November.

The Blue Tigers, record nine-time champions and the most recent winners, are scheduled to face Pakistan on November 5 and Maldives on November 11 in the group stage of the 2026 SAFF Championship, which Bangladesh will host from November 5 to 17.

Six teams are expected to compete for the title, with Nepal, the 2021 runner-up, now disqualified after the All Nepal Football Association was banned.

But India has confirmed two international friendlies with New Zealand during the November window: in Auckland on November 12, and in Christchurch three days later.

As a result, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) explored naming an under-23 squad for the SAFF Championship, but that option has hit a roadblock.

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“India’s first match in the SAFF Championship is outside the FIFA window, and clubs do not want to release players with the season on. That makes the whole situation a bit difficult. So, the AIFF is exploring all possibilities. There has not been an official withdrawal yet,” a source close to the developments told this publication.

The FIFA international window runs from November 9 to 17, with India scheduled to play New Zealand twice during that period. With its first SAFF Championship group match falling on November 5, the senior team’s participation in the tournament appears unlikely.

The AIFF has also faced disagreements with clubs over player releases this year. Before India departed for the Unity Cup in the United Kingdom, seven Mohun Bagan Super Giant players were recalled from the national camp.

The club maintained that it was not obliged to release its players for matches outside the FIFA international window. A second-string India side subsequently lost 2-0 to Nigeria and Jamaica, finishing last in the tournament.

India has previously fielded an under-23 side in the tournament. In 2009, under veteran coach Sukhwinder Singh, India’s under-23 side travelled to Bangladesh for the SAFF Championship and went on to win the tournament, beating Maldives on penalties.

That remains a precedent for Indian football stakeholders, but with the 2026 Championship less than a month away, India needs a squad, and that too, ready for title defence.