India are through to the SAFF Championship 2026 final after beating Bhutan 2-1 in the semi-final in Dhaka on Saturday, 14 November 2026. Here is everything you need to know about the final — India's record in the competition, the chase for a 10th title, and the key questions fans are asking.
How did India reach the SAFF Championship 2026 final?
India beat Bhutan 2-1 in the semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Vishnu PV scored in the ninth minute and captain Chinglensana Singh Konsham added a second in the 27th minute, before Kinzang Tashi Tobden pulled one back for Bhutan in the 48th minute. India held on through a nervy second half to book their place in the final.
How did India get to the semi-final?
India reached the semi-finals after beating Maldives in the group stage. Head coach Naushad Moosa made four changes to that side for the semi-final against Bhutan, bringing in fresh legs for a match India controlled for long spells before being made to work hard after the interval.
Where was the semi-final played?
The semi-final was played at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh — the same venue that will host the final on Tuesday, 17 November.
What happened in the other semi-final?
The other semi-final is between hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan. The winner of that tie will face India in the final on Tuesday, 17 November.
What is India's record in the SAFF Championship?
India are the most successful team in SAFF Championship history. The win over Bhutan took them into their 14th final in 15 appearances at the tournament, and they have already won the title nine times — a record. As defending champions, they are now chasing a record-extending 10th title.
When is the SAFF Championship 2026 final and who will India play?
The final will be played on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at the National Stadium in Dhaka. India will face the winner of the other semi-final between hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan.
What happened with VAR in the semi-final against Bhutan?
The Video Assistant Referee was used in the competition for the first time in the India-Bhutan semi-final, and it played a significant role. According to the AIFF, VAR overturned the offside decision against Bhutan's goal before cancelling a penalty that had been awarded to India.
Who scored for India against Bhutan?
Vishnu PV opened the scoring in the ninth minute, controlling a superb diagonal pass before finishing past Bhutan goalkeeper Gyeltshen Zangpo. Captain Chinglensana Singh Konsham scored the second in the 27th minute from a corner. Kinzang Tashi Tobden scored Bhutan's goal in the 48th minute.
Who is India's coach at SAFF Championship 2026?
Naushad Moosa is India's head coach at the tournament. He made four changes to the side that defeated Maldives in the group stage for the semi-final against Bhutan.
India at SAFF Championship 2026: Key Facts
| Semi-final result | India 2-1 Bhutan (14 November 2026, Dhaka) |
| India scorers | Vishnu PV 9', Chinglensana Singh Konsham 27' |
| Final date | Tuesday, 17 November 2026 |
| Final venue | National Stadium, Dhaka |
| Final opponent | Winner of Bangladesh vs Pakistan semi-final |
| SAFF titles won | 9 (record) — chasing a 10th |
| Finals reached | 14th final in 15 appearances |