South Asian youth football takes center stage as the SAFF U20 Championship 2026 kicks off in the Maldives, featuring seven teams in a competitive setup.
Defending champions India, 2024 winners Bangladesh, and two-time champions Nepal headline a wide-open title race, with key clashes like India vs Pakistan adding extra excitement.
Here’s a complete look at the tournament, including schedule, squads, key matches, and how to watch live.
What Is the SAFF U20 Championship 2026?
The SAFF U20 Championship is the premier under-20 men’s football tournament in South Asia. It is organised by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and provides young players from across the region with a platform to compete at the international level.
The 2026 edition is the eighth in the tournament’s history. Past winners include India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan, reflecting the competitive nature of age-group football in the region.
SAFF U20 Championship 2026 – Full Schedule & Fixtures
The SAFF U20 Championship 2026 schedule puts early pressure on teams, where even one loss can impact knockout chances.
| Date | Match | Time (IST) | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 March | Nepal U20 vs Bhutan U20 | 15:45 | Group A |
| 23 March | Maldives U20 vs Sri Lanka U20 | 20:30 | Group A |
| 24 March | Pakistan U20 vs Bangladesh U20 | 15:45 | Group B |
| 25 March | Sri Lanka U20 vs Nepal U20 | 15:45 | Group A |
| 25 March | Bhutan U20 vs Maldives U20 | 20:30 | Group A |
| 26 March | India U20 vs Pakistan U20 | 15:45 | Group B |
| 27 March | Maldives U20 vs Nepal U20 | 15:45 | Group A |
| 27 March | Bhutan U20 vs Sri Lanka U20 | 20:30 | Group A |
| 28 March | Bangladesh U20 vs India U20 | 15:45 | Group B |
Knockout Stage
| Date | Match | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April | Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up (SF1) | 15:45 |
| 1 April | Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up (SF2) | 20:30 |
| 3 April | Final (Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2) | 20:00 |
SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Teams and Groups
Seven teams are competing in the SAFF U20 Championship 2026. They have been divided into two groups.
- Group A: Maldives (hosts), Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka
- Group B: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan
India is the most successful team in the tournament’s history with four titles. Bangladesh won the most recent edition in 2024. Nepal is the two-time champion, having won in 2016 and 2017. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
1. India U20
India enters as the most successful team in the tournament with four titles. Under coach Mahesh Gawli, they aim to dominate Group B and push for another trophy.
Squad: Alsabith ST, Pranav Sundarraman, Suraj Singh Aheibam, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Jodric Abranches, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Mohammed Kaif, Roshan Singh Thangjam, Usham Singh Thoungamba, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Aniket Yadav, Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Md Arbash, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Vishal Yadav, Samson Ahongshangbam, Tanbir Dey
2. Bangladesh U20
Defending champions Bangladesh arrive as strong contenders with a balanced squad. The inclusion of overseas-based players adds depth and experience.
Squad: Md Ismail Hossain Mahin, Chandon Roy, S. P. Rafiz, Samuel Raksam, Md Nahidul Islam, Md Kamal Merdha, Md Yousuf Ali, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Md Abdul Riyad Fahim, Ibrahim Hasib Nawaz, Ashikur Rahman, Md Mursed Ali, Declan Sullivan, Sree Sumon Soren, Sani Das, Md Manik, Ihsan Habib Riduan, Md Rifat Kazi, Sheikh Sangram, Ronan Sullivan, Md Mithu Chowdhury, Md Joy Ahamed, Moltagim Alam Hemel
3. Pakistan U20
Pakistan will look to challenge both India and Bangladesh in Group B. Umar Nawaz’s presence adds a European edge to their attacking options.
Squad: Zulqurnain, Adil Ali Khan, Kashif, Ghulam Abbas, Umar Javed, Zarib Haider, Majid Ali, Waseem Abdul Rasheed, Ubaid Ullah, Abdul Khaliq, Abdur Rehman, Aabis Raza, Sheraz Khalid, Ali Zafar, Zain Imran, Shahab Ahmed, Khubaib, Owais Ilyas, Junaid, Mansoor Khan, Najeeb Ullah, Abdul Samad, Sajjad Hussain, Abdullah, Faham, Umar Nawaz
4. Nepal U20
Nepal brings a strong pedigree with back-to-back titles in past editions. They will aim to use that experience to dominate Group A.
Squad: Alik Shrestha, Anubhab Puri, Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar, Bijaya Uranw, Bigyan Khadka, Binayak Tharu, Dharbendra Kunwar, Ganesh Pulami Magar, Jhon Bista, Nishan Raj Lawat, Pawan Pakhrin, Pemba Nurbu Bhote, Prashant Moktan, Prasun Tamang, Ranjit Lama, Rohan Moktan, Roshan Tamang, Sabin Kumar Lungeli Magar, Sabin Rai, Siddhant Khadka, Subash Bam, Sujan Basnet, Sujan Dangol
5. Maldives U20
Hosts the Maldives will rely on home support to boost their campaign. Playing in familiar conditions could give them an advantage in Group A.
Squad: Xahran Hassan Ziyad, Mohamed Laamih Imthiyaz, Mohamed Joodh Ismail, Alhaan Faisal Ameen, Mohamed Naisam Nadheem, Ahmed Akmal Nizam, Nashiu Ahmed Shiham, Ahzam Rasheed, Mohamed Ilan Imran, Ethan Ibrahim Zaki, Nassah Ibrahim Nasir, Anoof Abdulla, Ahmed Mikyal Mueen, Eydhan Ahmed Moosa, Ali Haizoom Hassan, Ahmed Afnan Ali, Mohamed Shamhaan, Shaiman Rashaad, Aidh Mohamed Jaweez, Hassan Gais Mohamed, Ahmed Hamees Areef, Mohamed Maail Moosa, Yoosuf Ayaan Amir
6. Bhutan U20
Bhutan entered under coach Sonam Dhendup with a young and energetic squad. They will aim to make a strong impression in a competitive Group A.
Squad: Sherab Dorji, Kinga Wangchuk, Chogyel S Sherab, Ugyen Dorji, Ngawang Yonten, Kuenzang D Wangchuk, Rinzin Dorji, Tashi Gyeltshen, Arpan Gurung, Sonam Dorji, Tandin Phuntsho, Tandin Tshewang, Namdrak Y Tshering, Deychog D Dorji, Dhendup Gyeltshen, Sidhanth Basnet, Kuenzang R Gyeltshen, Kelden Dorji, Thinley Yezer, Tenzin Wangchuk, Tandin Penjor, Kinley Penjor, Tshendu Jamtsho
7. Sri Lanka U20
Sri Lanka will look to build momentum and compete strongly in Group A. Consistency in group matches will be key to their chances.
Squad: M. Hussain Abdullah, K. Mohamed Katheem, Savindu Kahatagahawaththa, Omith Edirisinghe, M. F. Mohamed Fariq, Aidan Perera, Rashad Shihab, M. F. Nazmi Ahamed, M.S. Mohamed Maziyad, T. S. Muhammad Yasir, Sevin Pathirana, Anupa Pabasara, M. A. Haathim Ahamed, M. A. Haadhim Ahamed, Nadal Senapala, M. M. Ahamed Hijaazy, M. I. Mohamed Rishad, M. K. Shaathin Shaheed, M. L. Mohamed Zaid, Soono Abdul Malik, W. Ahmed Aamish, M. F. Halik Ahamed, Zakariyya Zafarullah
SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Host Nation and Venue
The SAFF U20 Championship 2026 is hosted by the Maldives, with all matches scheduled at the National Football Stadium in Malé, also known as Galolhu Rasmee Dhandu Stadium.
The venue will stage the entire competition, including group-stage matches, both semi-finals, and the final. With all fixtures held at a single stadium, teams benefit from uniform playing conditions, while the hosts can draw strong crowd support throughout the tournament.
SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Live Streaming & Telecast
Every match of the SAFF U20 Championship 2026 will be streamed live on Sportzworkz’s YouTube channel, with kick-offs at 3:45 PM and 8:30 PM IST for most fixtures. There is no TV broadcast in India, so digital streaming remains the only viewing option for fans.
From high-profile clashes like India vs Pakistan to the knockout stages, viewers can watch all matches in real time without any subscription. This setup makes it easy to follow back-to-back fixtures and key moments throughout the tournament.
Also Read:
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Conclusion: SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Title Battle Ahead
The SAFF U20 Championship 2026 promises a highly competitive battle among South Asia’s top young teams. India enters with a strong record, while Bangladesh looks to defend their title with a well-balanced squad.
Nepal’s past success adds further depth, and the hosts of the Maldives could benefit from home conditions. Key Group B clashes, especially India vs Pakistan and Bangladesh vs India, are expected to draw major attention.
With semi-finals on April 1 and the final on April 3, the tournament is set for an intense finish, with fans able to follow all matches live online.
