THE INDIAN MEN’S futsal team will open its SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 campaign against Bangladesh on 14 January at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The match will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel.
The women’s team will get their tournament underway a day earlier, facing Maldives on 13 January at the same venue, with the match also available to watch live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference on Monday, India head coach Reza Kordi said the emphasis is on building a competitive side while laying the foundations for long-term development. Kordi, who took charge during the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers in September last year, stressed the importance of consistent progress.
“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,” said the Iranian coach, outlining the team’s wider vision for the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship. He also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts of the organisers and spoke about India’s preparations for the tournament.
The women’s team, coached by Joshuah Vaz, will draw on the experience gained at the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, where Indian players were exposed to high-quality Asian opposition and valuable international match time.
Vaz underlined the importance of learning through competition. “Hopefully, after the first game, we will understand our opponents better. Things usually become clearer once the tournament begins,” he said.
Following their opener against Bangladesh, the Indian men will take on Nepal on 18 January, Maldives on 20 January, Bhutan on 22 January, Sri Lanka on 24 January and Pakistan on 26 January, with all matches to be played at the Nonthaburi Stadium. The team that finishes top of the standings after seven rounds will be crowned the first-ever SAFF men’s futsal champions.
After their opening match against Maldives, the Indian women will face Bangladesh on 15 January, Nepal on 17 January, Pakistan on 19 January, Bhutan on 23 January and Sri Lanka on 25 January, also at the Nonthaburi Stadium. The table-toppers at the end of the league phase will be declared the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal champions.
