Nepal, Aug. 1 -- Nepal have been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan for the upcoming SAFF Men's Championship 2026, following the official draw ceremony held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday.

However, Nepal's participation in South Asia's premier international football tournament hinges on a critical condition: FIFA must lift the current suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) before the stipulated SAFF deadline on September 13.

Nepali football was suspended by FIFA indefinitely on June 24 citing third-party interference.

If the suspension remains in place past the deadline, the tournament will proceed as a six-nation event without Nepal, leaving Group A with three teams (Bangladesh, Sri ...