Pakistan Withdraws from SAFF Women’s Championship 2026

The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship Changes

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) planned to include seven teams in the upcoming women’s football tournament in Goa, India. However, Pakistan withdrew, leaving six teams to compete. The Pakistani team had been seeking more international experience after facing administrative issues and fewer match opportunities recently. The tournament will run from May 25 to June 6 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao.

Team Groupings After Pakistan’s Withdrawal

After Pakistan’s exit, the six remaining teams were divided into two groups through an official draw in Dhaka. Group A consists of Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Group B has India (host), Bangladesh (defending champion), and the Maldives. This new format is expected to create a more competitive environment, especially in Group B where strong teams will face each other directly.

India’s Performance in the Tournament

India has been the most successful team in the SAFF Women’s Championship history, winning five titles consecutively in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019. They previously hosted the tournament in 2016 in Siliguri and emerged as champions. Recently, Bangladesh has become the dominant team by winning the last two editions in 2022 and 2024.

Important Facts for Exams

• SAFF stands for South Asian Football Federation and includes South Asian countries.
• The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship is scheduled to take place in Margao, Goa, from May 25 to June 6.
• India hosted the tournament earlier in 2016 in Siliguri and was the winner.
• Bangladesh are the defending champions, having won the 2022 and 2024 editions.

Goa’s Role as a Key Venue

This tournament marks the second time Goa is hosting a SAFF event. The venue in Margao previously hosted the men’s SAFF Championship in 1999, where India defeated Bangladesh in the final. The stadium holds a prominent place in South Asian football history. Given the strong teams and regional rivalries, the 2026 women’s tournament is expected to be a significant event promoting women’s football development in the region.