Hosts India and defending champions Bangladesh are set to clash in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa. India aims to reclaim the title they last won in 2019 and secure a record sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. Meanwhile, Bangladesh seeks to achieve a historic hat-trick of championship wins after triumphs in 2022 and 2024.
The final brings together the region’s top football teams, with India and Bangladesh emerging as dominant forces. Despite India’s 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the group stage, both teams are gearing up for a fiercely contested match. India’s head coach, Crispin Chettri, emphasizes the need for a fresh approach, acknowledging Bangladesh’s strengths and the challenge they pose.
India holds a historical advantage over Bangladesh, winning 10 out of their 13 encounters. However, recent years have seen Bangladesh rise as formidable opponents, clinching victories in the 2022 and 2024 SAFF Championships. As the two nations meet in the final for the first time since 2016, India remains the favorite, having not conceded a goal in the tournament so far.
The Indian team, led by captain Sangita Basfore, enters the final with a perfect record, displaying strong performances throughout the championship. Despite their earlier defeat to India, Bangladesh’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience and determination. Both teams are focused on clinching the title, setting the stage for an intense and closely contested final showdown.
