IND Vs BAN SAFF Futsal Championship 2026: Where To Watch Live For Free

The SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 with the Indian men’s football team facing Bangladesh in their first match of tournament at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

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In the pre-tournament press conference on Monday, India head coach Reza Kordi, who took charge of the team in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers in September last year, said that the focus is firmly on competitiveness and long-term growth.

“Our main objective is to be competitive in every match, show clear progress in our playing style, and establish India as a strong emerging team in South Asian futsal,” he said, outlining the team’s broader vision for the inaugural edition of the SAFF Futsal Championship.

As far as our team is concerned, we started our preparations around a month ago in Bengaluru. We came here a week before our first match and played two friendly games. I think tactically, physically and mentality our players are ready for the competition,” he added.

In September, the Futsal Tigers created history by bagging their first international victory (3-0 vs Mongolia). Eight players from the Asian Cup qualifiers have been selected for the SAFF championship as well (Aleef Rahman Mollah, Ozen Silva, Lalsangkima, Anmol Adhikari, K Roluahpuia, Nikhil Mali, Seaon D’souza and Jonathan Lalrawngbawla).

“If I want to compare with the Asian Cup qualifiers, the team is more organised tactically and better physically prepared too. The players now have a better understanding of the demands of futsal right now.

India captain Nikhil Mali said: “Firstly, I would like to thank SAFF and Thailand for organising this historic tournament. Our team, after the Asian qualifiers, has gained a lot of experience and we had a great camp back home in India under our respected coach. So our main focus would be to execute our learnings in the tournament. Everyone looks quite confident going into the tournament.”

The 29-year-old also had a clear message for supporters back home as India prepare to take the court in Thailand. “I would like to tell our fans that we promise to play with all our heart, pride and will give our all on the court. I’m sure they’ll be supporting us back home, and we will put in a good performance for them.”

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India’s squad for the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026

Goalkeepers: Aleef Rahman Mollah, Ozen Vivian Silva.
Fixo: Lalsangkima, Lalsawmpuia.
Ala: Anmol Adhikari, K Roluahpuia, Lalrinzuala H, Nikhil Mali, Seaon D’souza, Vincent Laltluangzela.
Pivot: Hafis AM, Jonathan Lalrawngbawla, Palash Barber, Tijo Job.
Head coach: Reza Kordi