India names 28-player squad for SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka
India named a 28-player squad for the SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which runs from November 5 to 17. Naushad Moosa will lead the team as head coach for the tournament.
The squad announcement comes with India entering the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2023 edition against Kuwait in Bengaluru, and the federation has set the target of a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title. Naushad Moosa, who is the head coach of the India U23 men’s team, will lead the Blue Tigers, with Bibiano Fernandes — who recently coached the India U15 men’s team at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 — serving as assistant coach.
Goalkeepers named to the squad are Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Mohanraj K and Priyansh Dubey. The defensive group comprises Abdul Rabeeh, Bijoy Varghese, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Muhammed Uvais, Nathan Rodrigues, Ronney Kharbudon and Sandip Mandi. Midfield selections are Abhishek Suryavanshi, Adison Singh Thokchom, Brison Fernandes, Ebindas Yesudasan, Farukh Choudhary, Macarton Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, Noufal PN, Ricky John Shabong and Suresh Singh Wangjam. The forwards in the squad are Irfan Yadwad, Liston Colaco, Muhammad Suhail, Vishnu PV and Suhail Ahmad Bhat.
The technical and support staff listed for the campaign include head coach Naushad Moosa, assistant coach Bibiano Fernandes, goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi and strength and conditioning coach Saifulla. AIFF Deputy Secretary General Mr M Satyanarayan said, “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.”
India have been drawn in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan; hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan occupy Group A. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for November 14 with kick-offs at 14:30 and 20:00 IST, and the final is set for November 17 at 19:30 IST. All tournament fixtures will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Eighteen players from the 28-member squad will travel from Kolkata to Dhaka on November 3, while the remaining 10 players will join the group over the subsequent days before the tournament begins.
India open their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign against Pakistan on November 5 at 15:00 IST, with their second group match scheduled against Maldives on November 11 at 15:00 IST.