India, Aug. 2 -- Defending champions India have been drawn with Maldives and Pakistan in Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026, following the draw conducted in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday.

The 15th edition of the sub-continental football tournament will be hosted in Dhaka from November 4-17. Chasing a record-extending 10th SAFF championship title, India will begin their campaign against Maldives on November 5 before taking on Pakistan on November 11.

Hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are placed in Group A.

In the event that FIFA's suspension of the All Nepal Football Association is lifted by September 1, Nepal will be included in Group A.

If the suspension stays, the SAFF Championship 2026 will go ahead with six teams.

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