Bhutan National Football Team Steps Up Preparations for SAFF Championship 2026

Thimphu, Bhutan — The Bhutan national football team is stepping up preparations for the SAFF Championship 2026, as the Dragon Boys look ahead to a challenging campaign against some of South Asia’s strongest footballing nations.

The 15th SAFF Championship is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from 4 to 17 November 2026. Bhutan has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while Nepal’s participation remains subject to its FIFA status.

Bhutan prepares for a challenging tournament

With the tournament approaching, the national team is focusing on improving fitness, tactical organisation and technical ability. The preparations are also part of Bhutan’s wider efforts to strengthen the national team ahead of important international competitions.

Head coach Atsushi Nakamura has been working with the players on improving their technique and endurance. Training at Bhutan’s high altitude also provides the team with an opportunity to build physical conditioning before facing opponents at international level.

Bhutan’s recent preparations have included a 27-player training squad as the team continues its work for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Dragon Boys face Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Bhutan will begin its SAFF Championship campaign against Sri Lanka on 7 November, before taking on hosts Bangladesh on 10 November.

The matches will be important tests for Bhutan, particularly against Bangladesh on home soil. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for 14 November, followed by the final on 17 November.

Investment in Bhutanese football

The Bhutan Football Federation has also continued to invest in football development and national-team infrastructure.

The federation’s Home of Happiness headquarters and technical centre in Thimphu provides facilities for training, fitness, accommodation and technical development. The project is designed to support the continued development of Bhutanese football and its national teams.

Building towards SAFF 2026

As the SAFF Championship draws closer, Bhutan will be looking to use its preparation period to develop consistency, improve tactical discipline and build confidence within the squad.

For the Dragon Boys, the tournament will be another opportunity to measure their progress against regional opposition and showcase Bhutanese football on the South Asian stage.