Maldives Crowned Champions of the Inaugural 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship

February 3, 2026

Bangkok | 26 January 2026

Maldives claimed the title of the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026, the inaugural edition of South Asia’s premier futsal tournament, held from 14–26 January 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hosted across two Bangkok venues, Nonthaburi Stadium and Hua Mak Indoor Stadium, the championship brought together all seven SAFF member nations: Maldives, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. As the first tournament of its kind under SAFF, the competition marked a significant leap forward for futsal development in the region.

SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel noted that Thailand was chosen for its advanced futsal infrastructure and high accessibility, factors crucial for delivering a successful debut edition.

The Maldives delivered a dominant and undefeated campaign, securing six wins in six matches and clinching the title with one match remaining after a decisive 3–1 victory over Bhutan.

Across 21 matches, the tournament recorded 129 goals, showcasing the attacking flair and competitiveness of the region’s emerging futsal landscape.

 

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