India eyes semi-final spot in SAFF Championship 2026

According to a Sportstar report, the group-stage matches of the SAFF Championship 2026 are nearing completion, and defending champion India will take the field to play against Maldives in its next match. Along with this, Sri Lanka will also clash against Bangladesh on Wednesday. The Indian team is eyeing a victory in the match against Maldives to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Previously, Suhel Ahmed Bhat scored two goals in the opening match for India, and he is keen to increase his goal contribution against Maldives as well.

In this tournament being played in Dhaka, the Indian team, known as the Blue Tigers, is on the field with the goal of winning its record-extending 10th title. The Indian team is included in Group B with Pakistan and Maldives, while host Bangladesh is in Group A with Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The top two teams from both groups in this competition will qualify for the semi-finals. Earlier, Pakistan defeated Maldives 3-0 to enter the knockout stage for the first time in eight years.

On the other hand, the host Bangladesh team has already secured a spot in the semi-finals and will attempt to maintain its winning streak in this tournament being played on home soil. Previously, in the last season of the SAFF Championship, India won the title by defeating Kuwait in a penalty shootout.