The SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 is set to be one of South Asia’s most exciting football showdowns yet.
The 8th edition of the tournament, organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), is underway in India from May 25 to June 6, 2026, bringing together the region’s best women’s national teams for a battle of continental pride.
Tournament Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Edition | 8th |
| Host Country | India |
| City | Margao, Goa |
| Dates | May 25 – June 6, 2026 |
| Total Teams | 6 |
| Defending Champions | Bangladesh |
Venue: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao
All matches of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 are being played at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (also known as Fatorda Stadium) in Margao, Goa.
The iconic ground has a seating capacity of 16,200 and holds historical significance, it previously hosted the 1999 SAFF Men’s Championship, which India won. This marks the first time the Blue Tigresses play competitive football in Goa, adding a fresh layer of excitement for local fans.
SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Groups & Teams
Six nations are competing, divided into two groups of three:
Group A
| Team | FIFA Ranking |
|---|---|
| Nepal | 87th |
| Sri Lanka | 162nd |
| Bhutan | 164th |
Group B
| Team | FIFA Ranking |
|---|---|
| India | 69th |
| Bangladesh | 112th |
| Maldives | 167th |
The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals. Notably, Pakistan skipped this edition due to strained relations with the host nation.
SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Full Schedule
| Date | Match | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| May 25 | Nepal vs Bhutan | 4:30 PM |
| May 25 | India vs Maldives | 7:30 PM |
| May 28 | Sri Lanka vs Bhutan | 4:30 PM |
| May 28 | Bangladesh vs Maldives | 7:30 PM |
| May 31 | Nepal vs Sri Lanka | 4:30 PM |
| May 31 | India vs Bangladesh | 7:30 PM |
| June 3 | Semi-Final 1 | 4:00 PM |
| June 3 | Semi-Final 2 | 8:00 PM |
| June 6 | FINAL | 6:30 PM |
Teams & Key Squads
India (Blue Tigresses) — Hosts & Five-Time Champions
Under head coach Crispin Chettri, India enter as the highest-ranked side and firm favourites:
- Goalkeepers: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Ribansi Jamu, Shreya Hooda
- Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Nirmala Devi, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu, Sarita Yumnam, Thoibisana Chanu
- Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Jasoda Munda, Priyangka Devi, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore, Shilky Devi
- Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Karishma Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Manisha Kalyan, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Soumya Guguloth
Bangladesh — Defending Back-to-Back Champions
Bangladesh, ranked 112th globally, have won the last two SAFF titles (2022 and 2024) and arrive as the team to beat.
Nepal — Six-Time Runners-Up
Ranked 87th, Nepal are the second-strongest side in the competition and will be eyeing their elusive first title.
SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Live Streaming
- India: Live streaming on the FanCode app and website — no TV broadcast available in India
- Nepal: Live coverage on DGO
- Fans worldwide can follow live updates through the SAFF and AIFF official social media channels
Tickets for SAFF Women’s Championship 2026
Ticket pricing details for the Goa edition have not been officially published yet. Based on the tournament structure, tickets are expected to be available at the stadium on match days.
Fans are advised to check the AIFF official website and local announcements for confirmed pricing and online availability closer to the knockout stages.
Also Read:
SAFF Women’s Championship 2026
India are chasing a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s title on home soil, a massive motivation for the Blue Tigresses playing in front of a passionate Goan crowd.
Bangladesh, the defending two-time champions, are equally determined to make it three in a row. With Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives all capable of causing upsets, the 2026 edition promises a gripping contest from the group stage right through to the June 6 final.
