India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group as Maldives for the SAFF Championship 2026, scheduled to occur in Bangladesh this November.

The lottery for South Asia's largest regional football competition took place in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday. The tournament will take place in Dhaka from November 4 to 17.

Maldives is in Group B with India, the region’s top team and reigning champions, and Pakistan. Bangladesh, along with Sri Lanka and Bhutan, tops Group A.

Nepal was unable to participate in Saturday’s draw because FIFA has suspended its football association. SAFF stated that if FIFA removes the suspension prior to the tournament's start, Nepal will be included in Group A alongside Bangladesh. In that scenario, Group A will include four teams rather than three.

The SAFF Championship, originally hosted in Pakistan in 1993 under the name “SAARC Gold Cup,” continues to be the premier football tournament in South Asia.

India has claimed the championship a record nine occasions. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have both secured the championship on one occasion.

The Maldives has won the SAFF Championship trophy on two occasions. The initial victory occurred in 2008, as Maldives triumphed over India 1 - 0 in a thrilling final at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.

In 2018, Maldives secured their second title in Dhaka, defeating India 2 - 1 in the final at the Bangladesh National Stadium.

Alongside these two wins, Maldives advanced to the finals in 1997, 2003, and 2009.