Bangladesh have kicked off their defence of the SAFF U-20 Championship with a clear plan, a packed preliminary squad and a residential camp starting on Friday at the Shams-ul-Huda Academy in Jashore, ahead of the tournament in Maldives from late March to early April 2026.
The competition brings together Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and hosts Maldives. The draw, held on Sunday in Bangkok, placed Bangladesh in Group B alongside India and Pakistan.
The Bangladesh Football Federation want rhythm and repetition, not last-minute chaos. Head coach Golam Rabbani Choton will run the camp in phases, calling Bangladesh Football League players to report on Friday at 4pm, before Championship League players join on 5 February at the same time.
The idea stays simple: get the core together early, sharpen understanding, then let competition decide the final cuts.
Group B promises no gentle easing-in period. India arrive as the most decorated youth side in SAFF history, while Pakistan offer the kind of unpredictability that punishes sloppy structure.
Bangladesh know this script well and won’t chase the ball blindly. They will likely prioritise compact defensive spacing and quick vertical transitions, the same traits that carried them to the title in 2024.
History gives this squad both pressure and belief. India lifted the inaugural U-20 crown in 2022, while Bangladesh responded by taking the trophy in 2024. At youth level across U-18, U-19 and U-20 tournaments, India still lead the medal count, but Bangladesh have learned how to manage knockout tension rather than fear it.
Squad members:
Md Ismail Hossain Mahin, S P Rafiz, Md Nahidul Islam, Raj Chowdury and Md Tasin Saheb, Md Yousuf Ali, Md Abdul Riyad Fahim, Ashikur Rahman, Md Ikramul Islam, Md Mithu Chowdhury, Md Sharif Uddin Nirob, Sheikh Sangram, Md Sifat Sahariar, Md Siam Omit, Salah Uddin Sahed, Sani Das, Ihsan Habib Riduan and Md Sabbir Islam, Chandon Roy, Samuel Raksam, Md Ratul Hassan, Md Kamal Merdha, Nazmul Huda Faysal and Mohammad Shofiq Rahman, Shawon Ritchil, Md Mursed Ali, Sree Sumon Soren, Md Manik, Md Rifat Kazi, Md Opu Rahman, Ashik and Md Joy Ahamed.
