Pakistan qualify for SAFF Championship 2026 semifinals

The result confirmed India’s position at the top of Group B with six points, while Pakistan finished second with three points to secure the other semifinal spot. The Maldives finished bottom without earning a point.

Pakistan had strengthened their qualification hopes with a 3-0 victory over the Maldives on November 8, following a 3-2 defeat against India in their opening match.

In the match against the Maldives, McKeal Abdullah opened the scoring from the penalty spot before 19-year-old forward Najeeb Ullah scored twice to seal the win.

Najeeb has scored three goals in two matches, including one against India, making him one of Pakistan’s leading performers in the tournament.

Pakistan will face the Group A winners in the semifinal on November 14 at the National Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladesh currently lead Group A with three points after beating Bhutan 1-0, while Sri Lanka have one point following a 2-2 draw against Bhutan.