The SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 got underway at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, India on Monday with defending champions Bangladesh aiming to secure a historic third consecutive title.
The women in red and green enter the regional tournament as one of the favourites alongside hosts India, who opened their campaign against Maldives on the first day of the competition.
Six nations are taking part in the tournament, divided into two groups. Bangladesh, India and Maldives are placed in Group B while Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka make up Group A.
Last edition’s runners-up Nepal faced Bhutan in the other opening-day fixture.
Bangladesh will begin their title defence against Maldives on Thursday before taking on hosts India in their second and final group-stage match on May 31.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference in Goa on Sunday, Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler expressed confidence in his side’s preparation ahead of the tournament.
“Our preparation was very good. The girls worked very hard. Hopefully, this preparation will help us to win the trophy,” said the English coach.
Midfielder Maria Manda has been appointed captain of Bangladesh, replacing Afeida Khandaker, who led the side during their maiden AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign.
“Every team is good. There will be pressure on the road to the crown. We want to give our best to do well,” said Maria.
The semi-finals are scheduled for June 3 while the final will take place on June 6.
Bangladesh won their maiden SAFF Women’s Championship title in 2022 before successfully defending the crown in 2024, beating hosts Nepal in the final on both occasions.
Blending youth with experience, Bangladesh are expected to face strong competition from five-time champions India as they seek to continue their dominance in South Asian women’s football.