Pakistan Exit SAFF Women’s Championship 2026

The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship, scheduled to be hosted by India in Goa, will now be played with six teams after Pakistan officially withdrew from the tournament. The Pakistan Football Federation confirmed the decision on April 23, reducing the expected participation from seven member nations. The event remains one of South Asia’s key women’s football competitions and will run from May 25 to June 6 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao.

Pakistan Withdraws Before Tournament Begins

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) had earlier announced that all seven member associations would participate, strengthening the tournament’s regional importance. However, Pakistan’s withdrawal has changed the competition structure. The Pakistan women’s team had been seeking more international exposure after facing administrative disruptions and limited match opportunities in recent years.

Groups Finalised After Exit

Following Pakistan’s withdrawal, the remaining six teams were placed into two groups after the official draw at the SAFF Secretariat in Dhaka. Group A includes Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Group B features hosts India, defending champions Bangladesh and Maldives. The revised format is expected to make the competition tighter, especially in Group B where two strong sides will compete directly.

India’s Strong Record in the Tournament

India remain the most successful side in SAFF Women’s Championship history. They won five consecutive titles in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2019. This will be the second time India hosts the women’s championship after the 2016 edition in Siliguri, where they also lifted the trophy. Bangladesh, however, have emerged as the new dominant force, winning the last two editions in 2022 and 2024.

Important Facts for Exams

• SAFF stands for South Asian Football Federation and includes South Asian member nations.
• The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship will be held in Margao, Goa, from May 25 to June 6.
• India hosted the women’s championship earlier in 2016 at Siliguri and won the title.
• Bangladesh are the defending champions, having won the 2022 and 2024 editions.

Goa’s Importance as a SAFF Venue

This will also be the second SAFF tournament hosted in Goa. The men’s SAFF Championship in 1999 was also played at the same stadium in Margao, where India defeated Bangladesh in the final. The venue continues to hold significance in South Asian football history. With strong teams and regional rivalry, the 2026 edition is expected to be a major event for women’s football development in South Asia.