Pakistan Withdraws from 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship Hosted by India

Key Facts

• The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship will be held in Margao, Goa, India, from May 25 to June 6, 2026.
• Pakistan withdrew from the tournament on April 23, 2026, reducing participants from seven to six teams.
• Matches will be held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao.
• Participating teams are divided into two groups: Group A - Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan; Group B - India (hosts), Bangladesh (defending champions), and Maldives.
• India is the most successful team, having won five consecutive editions (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019).
• Bangladesh won the last two editions in 2022 and 2024.
• This is the second time India is hosting the women's championship, previously in 2016 in Siliguri.
• The venue, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, also hosted the men's SAFF Championship final in 1999.

Background & Context

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship is a biennial tournament involving national women's teams from South Asia’s SAFF member associations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s women's team withdrew in 2026 amid ongoing administrative difficulties and limited international match opportunities over recent years. The tournament plays an important role in promoting women's football development in the South Asian region and fostering regional sports cooperation.

Why This Matters for Exams

• Highlights regional sports governance and participation dynamics in South Asia.
• Shows India's leadership role in hosting and success in women's football.
• Demonstrates the impact of administrative challenges on international sports involvement.
• Reflects trends in women's sports development and regional cooperation.
• Dates, venue, group compositions, and historical champions are key factual points suitable for examination.

Points to Remember

• Pakistan officially withdrew from the tournament on April 23, 2026.
• The 2026 tournament will have six teams, divided into two groups.
• India is the most successful team with five titles and is hosting again after 2016.
• Bangladesh are the defending champions from 2022 and 2024.
• The events will take place at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.
• The stadium also has historical significance as the venue for the 1999 men’s SAFF Championship final.