The 2026 SAFF U20 Championship is underway in Malé, Maldives. This is the 8th edition of the tournament. It is organised by the South Asian Football Federation for men’s under-20 national teams across South Asia. Seven teams are taking part, split into two groups.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. All matches are being played at the National Football Stadium in Malé. The tournament runs from 23 March to 4 April 2026.
SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Points Table – Updated Standings
The SAFF U20 Championship 2026 points table reflects how tightly contested the groups are, where even goal difference can decide qualification. Each result quickly shifts the standings.
Group A
| Pos | Team Name | P | W | D | L | GF: GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nepal U20 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4:2 | +2 | 7 |
| 2 | Bhutan U20 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2:2 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka U20 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3:4 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Maldives U20 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3:4 | -1 | 2 |
Group B
| Pos | Team Name | P | W | D | L | GF: GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India U20 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4:1 | +3 | 4 |
| 2 | Bangladesh U20 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3:1 | +2 | 4 |
| 3 | Pakistan U20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0:5 | -5 | 0 |
SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Knockout Format & Qualification Rules
In the SAFF U20 Championship 2026, teams must perform consistently in the group stage to secure a place in the knockouts. Here’s how the format works:
- The top 2 teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals
- Semi-finals: Scheduled on April 1
- Final: To be played on April 3
- Knockout matches must have a winner
- If level after 90 minutes, the game goes to extra time
- If still tied, the winner is decided via a penalty shootout
This format ensures high-pressure matches where every goal and result can directly impact a team’s path to the title.
Conclusion: SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Points Table Race for Semi-Final Spots!
The SAFF U20 Championship 2026 standings show how fine the margins are, especially in Group A where goal difference and head-to-head results could decide the top spot. In Group B’s three-team setup, every match carries knockout-level pressure with no room for slip-ups.
As the tournament progresses, each result will play a crucial role in shaping the semi-final lineup, making every game a potential turning point in the title race.
