Pakistan is gearing up for a thrilling SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 in Bangkok, with both its men’s and women’s national futsal teams set to compete in a packed schedule at the Nonthaburi Stadium in January. The announcement of the fixtures has sparked excitement among fans, as the teams prepare to test their mettle in a high-stakes regional tournament.
Women’s Team to Make Historic SAFF Debut
The Pakistan Women’s Futsal Team will make its international debut in this SAFF edition, opening their campaign on 13 January with a match against Bhutan at 16:30 (local time). Over ten days, they will face five other SAFF nations: Sri Lanka (15 Jan), Maldives (17 Jan), India (19 Jan), Nepal (21 Jan), and Bangladesh (23 Jan). The fixture against India on 19 January is highly anticipated, as one of the biggest rivalries in South Asia.
Men’s Side Faces Tough Road to Knockouts
One day after the women’s opener, Pakistan’s men’s futsal team kicks off on 14 January against Maldives at 19:00. Their scheduled group matches include:
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16 Jan: Pakistan vs Bhutan
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18 Jan: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
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20 Jan: Pakistan vs Nepal
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22 Jan: Bangladesh vs Pakistan
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26 Jan: India vs Pakistan
The closing match against India is expected to be decisive for qualification into the knockout phase, setting the stage for a potential showdown.
Futsal Revolution Gains Momentum in Pakistan
The SAFF Championship represents more than just a tournament for Pakistan: it’s a marker of the country’s futsal evolution. With growing infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots interest, both teams see this event as a platform to showcase progress and challenge traditional South Asian powerhouses. For the women’s team, this debut is historic; for the men’s, every match is a chance to validate their rising stature.
Preparing for the Bangkok Challenge
Coaches and analysts emphasize that Pakistan’s success will depend on rigorous preparation, tactical discipline, and mental strength. The tight schedule — with games every two days — demands peak physical condition. There is also optimism that a strong performance in Bangkok could attract more support and investment for Pakistani futsal.
