Despite the challenge of balancing player availability with ongoing ISL fixtures, Moosa remains focused on winning matches while playing attractive football. He acknowledged Pakistan's physical approach but identified Bangladesh as the strongest opposition, expressing his ambition to face the hosts in the final.

India will travel with a 28-member squad, combining experienced players with emerging talents. Bibiano Fernandes, who recently guided India's U15 team at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan, will serve as assistant coach.

India's 28-Man SAFF 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers: Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Mohanraj K, Priyansh Dubey.

Defenders: Abdul Rabeeh, Bijoy Varghese, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Muhammed Uvais, Nathan Rodrigues, Ronney Kharbudon, Sandip Mandi.

Midfielders: Abhishek Suryavanshi, Adison Singh Thokchom, Brison Fernandes, Ebindas Yesudasan, Farukh Choudhary, Macarton Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, Noufal PN, Ricky John Shabong, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Liston Colaco, Muhammad Suhail, Vishnu PV, Suhail Ahmad Bhat.

India's SAFF 2026 Fixtures

• November 5: Pakistan vs India – 3:00 PM IST

• November 11: India vs Maldives – 3:00 PM IST

• November 14: Semi-finals

• November 17: Final

With ISL commitments affecting player availability, India will assemble their squad in phases, with 18 players travelling to Dhaka initially and the remaining 10 joining later.

The defending champions are chasing their 10th SAFF Championship title, with Moosa and Bibiano tasked with guiding a new-look Blue Tigers side to another regional triumph.