The 2026 SAFF U-23 Championship is the inaugural edition of the SAFF U-23 Championship, an international football competition for men's under-23 national teams from South Asia region, organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). The tournament scheduled to be played in Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2026. However, it has not yet taken place due to scheduling conflicts. The tournament might possibly be held before the 2027 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Host selection At the SAFF Executive Committee virtual meeting, held on 8 January 2025 in the Dhaka, Bangladesh. The SAFF tournament committee announced the name of Bangladesh host country of the tournament.
Participating teams The following seven teams will participate in the competition. TeamAppearances in the SAFF U-23 ChampionshipPrevious best performance (Host)
Players eligibility Each team had to register a squad of minimum 16 and maximum 23 players. Players born on or after 1 January 2004 were eligible to compete in the tournament (as per FIFA eligibility rules of underage competitions).
Squads
Venue All matches will held at the National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dhaka National Stadium Capacity: 22,400 seats
Draw The draw ceremony of the tournament yet to be held. Draw result Draw Ceremony has not been held yet.
Match officials Referees Not yet selected. Will be selected soon. Assistant referees Not yet selected. Will be selected soon.
Group stage
All matches were played at Dhaka, Bangladesh. Times listed are UTC+6 The groups have not been determined yet. They will be determined soon.
Knockout stage Not yet determined. Will be determined soon.
Winner
Awards Not yet determined. Will be determined soon.
Statistics Not yet determined. Will be determined soon. Goalscorers Not yet determined. Will be determined soon. Hat-tricks Not yet determined. Will be determined soon.
Broadcasting rights Country Broadcaster Ref. FanCodefancode.com
See also 2026 SAFF U-17 Championship 2026 SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 SAFF Championship 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 SAFF Club Championship 2026 SAFF Women's Championship
References