Bangladesh will host the 15th edition of the SAFF Championship, South Asia’s leading football competition, with all matches scheduled to take place in Dhaka from November 4 to 17.
The decision was finalized during a meeting of the South Asian Football Federation on Tuesday.
All SAFF member associations are expected to participate in South Asia’s premier football competition, which is considered one of the region’s most prestigious and eagerly awaited sporting events.
The tournament was originally scheduled to return in 2025 after a two-year break. However, SAFF was unable to organize the competition as planned because of several complications. Those issues have now been resolved, allowing the championship to move forward in 2026.
As part of the preparations, the tournament’s official logo will be unveiled during a ceremony in Dhaka on July 25. The official draw will be held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on August 1.
“We are absolutely delighted to announce the dates and venue for the SAFF Championship 2026,” SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel said.
“This tournament holds a special place in our hearts, having created countless memorable moments for football fans across the region over the years.”
Kattel said the announcement had come at an exciting time for football supporters across South Asia following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He added that Bangladesh’s confirmation as host was particularly exciting because of the rapidly growing interest in football across the country.
“We look forward to Bangladesh delivering a grand and successful event that will leave a lasting impression on players and fans alike,” he said.
Kattel said SAFF would announce a range of activities, updates and events related to the championship in the coming weeks and months.
The 2026 tournament will mark the return of the SAFF Championship to Bangladesh for the first time since 2018. The country previously hosted the competition in 2003, 2009 and 2018.
The 2003 edition remains the only time Bangladesh’s Red and Greens lifted the trophy on home soil.
The most recent edition of the tournament was held in Bengaluru, India, in 2023. Bangladesh reached the semifinals of that competition.
India is the most successful team in SAFF Championship history, having won the title nine times. The Maldives have won the tournament twice, claiming the trophy in 2008 and 2018.
Afghanistan won the championship in 2013, while Sri Lanka lifted the trophy in 1995.
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