India starting XI: Priyansh Dubey (gk), C Singh Konsham (c), Sandip Mandi, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Ricky John Shabong, Macarton Louis Nickson, Brison Deuben, Abdul Rabeeh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat

Maldives starting XI: Hussain Shareef (gk), Samooh Ali (c), Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf, Ibrahim Aisam, Ahmed Aiham, Ahmed Aiham, Amdhan Ali, Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain, Hassan Eenaaz, Naiz Hassan, Nisham Mohamed Rasheed

Did you know that the Indian team is coached by Naushad Moosa in the SAFF Championship 2026 and not Khalid Jamil? Yes, that's right! Khalid Jamil is not with the Indian team in Dhaka because he is with the main squad that is travelling to New Zealand for two friendlies starting on November 12, 2026.

The All India Football Federation has selected a younger, second-string squad for the tournament, predominated by U-23 players. Hence, Moosa, who coaches India's U-23 team, has been given the reins of the side.

India have dominated the recent head-to-head record, winning four of their last five encounters against the Maldives. The island nation's sole victory in this span came back in 2018.

India have sent their second-string side to the SAFF Championship, with the main squad travelling to New Zealand for two friendlies starting on November 12. The Blue Tigers defeated Pakistan 3-2 in their opening match, with Suhail finding the net twice and Kipgen scoring in the 32nd minute. Pakistan were trailing 3-0 before scoring in the second half's injury time to soften the defeat.

Now, India take on the Maldives. The match starts at 3:00 PM at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Both teams are outside the top 100 in the FIFA rankings, with India sitting at 138 and the Maldives at 173—a glaring 35-spot difference. India require just a draw to book a semifinal spot, and an upset is highly unrealistic given the rankings. Pakistan have already qualified for the semifinals. If India win the match, they will also top the group.

India vs Maldives match is not being televised in India. However, fans can catch the live action on the Veto App starting at 3:00 PM.

Also, we've got you covered! Just keep refreshing for all the live updates and action.

Good afternoon, everyone! We are back with another live blog as the Blue Tigers are all geared up to take on the Maldives at the National Stadium in Dhaka. With a semifinal spot on the line, India will look to secure a comprehensive win. So sit back and relax as we bring you all the live action!