Dhaka, Nov. 4 -- Defending champions India will begin their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign against Pakistan in their opening Group B fixture at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday, November 5 at 15:00 IST.

The Blue Tigers, who are aiming for a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title, will be led by head coach Naushad Moosa. India enter the tournament ranked 138th in the FIFA rankings, while Pakistan are placed 197th, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The two sides have met 29 times in senior internationals, with India winning 16 matches, Pakistan four and nine ending in draws.

Their most recent meeting was at the SAFF Championship 2023 in Bengaluru, where India registered a 4-0 victory. Su...