The India Under-20 men’s team begins its SAFF U-20 Championship campaign with an exciting match against Pakistan at the National Football Stadium in Male on Thursday.
An encounter between India and Pakistan always brings extra intensity, and with crucial stakes in the group stages, the opening match promises both drama and significance.
Understandably, the Young Colts arrived in the Maldives capital on Monday and quickly shifted their focus to preparations for the tournament. India are in Group B alongside Pakistan and Bangladesh and face a tight schedule in a three-team group where every point is crucial.
When and where does the match start?
The SAFF U-20 match between India and Pakistan will start on Thursday, March 26 at 4:15 PM IST at the National Football Stadium in Male.
Where can you watch the match?
The SAFF U-20 match between India and Pakistan will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel.
India will meet Bangladesh in their second match on March 28. With only two matches in the group, one win could be decisive in securing a place in the semi-finals.
The stakes were further raised after Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-0 in the first match of Group B. That result means Pakistan enters Thursday’s match needing a win to keep their knockout hopes alive. India can therefore expect a determined opponent, making the fight quite difficult despite their strong credentials.
India U-20 coach Mahesh Gawali emphasized that he started the tournament on a positive note.
«India vs Pakistan is always a big match but for us we treat it like any other match. Every match is important for us. So the focus is on getting the tournament off to a good start and a positive start. At the same time, we have to be careful and play with composure and discipline,» Gawali said ahead of the match.
However, India come into the tournament as one of the favourites, with an impressive record in the age-group competition.
The Blue Colts are four-time champions, winning the title in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. That history brings both confidence and expectation, and the current squad will look to continue the winning tradition.
«We do have a number of experienced players in the team, but this is a new start for everyone. Football has no history. What you do on the day is important. So we have to stay focused and perform well,» said Gawali.
The championship also serves as preparation for the upcoming AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, but the focus within the Indian camp remains firmly on the immediate challenge. “We want to take it one match at a time and do our best in this competition,” Gawali said.
Pakistan, meanwhile, is known for its physical style of play and will look to use its strength to disrupt India’s rhythm eqwi.
At the same time, many of its players are only in their second international appearance, meaning the team lacks experience at this level.
«Pakistan has a decent squad. They are thriving and have good young players. But we will try to do our best,» Gawali said.
Pakistan coach Shahzad Anwar remains wary about the challenge India will pose on Thursday.
«Our boys are playing their second international match and India are a strong and experienced team. So you understand that,» Anwar said.
With rivalry, qualifying stakes and momentum, Thursday’s meeting promises to set the tone for Group B.
Published on March 26, 2026
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Tommie-Lee-Daniel-Julez-J.-Smith-Jr.-032526-c929dc03fec84a62b4f799b8e6bc71dd.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Tommie Lee, de 41 años, monta a Son Julez, de 21 años, de Solange, en un nuevo video lleno de PDA")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Prince-William-Prince-of-Wales-and-Catherine-Princess-of-Wales-attend-the-Enthronement-Ceremony-installing-Dame-Sarah-Mullally-as-the-106th-Archbishop-of-Canterbury-032526-c296b6ded6be496ea3527ad87c76c11b.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "El último look de Kate Middleton hizo un discreto guiño al papel real del príncipe William")
