Dhaka, November 11, 2026: Pakistan secured a place in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship 2026 on Tuesday after arch-rivals India defeated Maldives 1-0 in the final Group B fixture at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.
The Green Shirts, competing in Group B of the six-team tournament, began their campaign with a 3-2 defeat against India but bounced back with an impressive 3-0 victory over Maldives.
Pakistan’s qualification hopes depended on the outcome of the final group match between India and Maldives, with the national side needing an Indian victory to advance to the knockout stage.
Their hopes materialised as Suhail Bhat converted a penalty in the 39th minute to secure a narrow win for India.
India finished top of Group B with six points, while Pakistan claimed second place with three points. Maldives exited the tournament without a win.
Pakistan will face the Group A winners in the semi-final, scheduled for November 14. Their opponents will be confirmed following the final group-stage match between hosts Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, scheduled for 7pm Pakistan Standard Time on Tuesday at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan have received a boost ahead of the knockout stage with the arrival of five diaspora players in Bangladesh.
The players joining the national squad are Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Adil Nabi, Ali Akbar Khan and Abdul Samad.
They were unavailable for Pakistan’s opening matches because the tournament was held outside the designated FIFA international window.
