oi-Sauradeep Ash

The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the SAFF U20 Championship 2026 takes place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the National Football Stadium in Malé, Maldives, with kick-off at 16:15 IST (3:45 PM local time).

This Group B opener carries the classic India-Pakistan intensity, even at the youth level. India, one of the stronger sides in South Asian age-group football and recent champions in the category, enter as favourites under head coach Mahesh Gawli. The Blue Colts arrived in the Maldives well-prepared and view the tournament as a key development platform.

India’s squad includeS goalkeepers Alsabith ST, Pranav Sundarraman, and Suraj Singh; defenders like Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Jodric Abranches, and Mohammed Kaif; midfielders Aniket Yadav, Danny Meitei, and Gurnaj Singh Grewal; plus forwards Omang Dodum, Vishal Yadav, and Samson Ahongshangbam. Gawli has stressed the competitiveness of every SAFF U20 match and the need for a strong start.

Pakistan, meanwhile, suffered a 0-2 defeat to Bangladesh in their opening Group B fixture on March 24, with Ronan Sullivan scoring a brace (including a stunning free-kick). This puts pressure on the Pakistan U20 side to bounce back immediately, as only the top two teams from the group advance to the semi-finals (April 1), followed by the final on April 3.

Group B consists of just three teams: Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. India will play Bangladesh on March 28. The rivalry adds extra motivation, but for both sets of young players, it is primarily about gaining valuable international exposure, building team cohesion, and chasing silverware in a compact tournament format.

India vs Pakistan Live Streaming: How to Watch SAFF U20 Championship Match LIVE on TV and Online?

The U20 SAFF Championship match between India and Pakistan will not be telecast on TV, but the live-streaming is available on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel from 4:15 PM IST on Thursday in India, 3:45 PM local time in Pakistan.

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