Bangladesh to host SAFF Championship in November 2026

The SAFF Championship is now scheduled to take place in November 2026, with Bangladesh set to host the region’s premier international football tournament.

According to media reports, the competition had initially been planned for an earlier window before discussions emerged over a possible postponement to November. The delay was largely linked to scheduling complications involving India, who are expected to participate in another international tournament during the first proposed period.

Reports indicate that the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) was keen to ensure India’s participation due to the country’s importance to the tournament commercially and competitively. As a result, efforts were made to identify a suitable date that would allow all member associations to take part. SAFF is yet to make an official statement regarding the decision.

Bangladesh had earlier secured the hosting rights for the tournament and event is set to bring together South Asia’s top national teams in what is regarded as the region’s biggest football competition.

The last edition of the SAFF Championship was held in India, where the hosts lifted the title after defeating Kuwait in the final.