Sri Lanka are gearing up for a fresh challenge at the SAFF Championship 2026, with head coach Abdullah Almutairi naming a 28-member squad as the island nation look to reclaim their place among South Asia’s footballing elite after more than three decades.
With renewed optimism, a new generation of talent and the experience of several established players, the Blue Lions will enter the tournament hoping to end a 31-year wait for regional glory.
A Historic Legacy to Recreate
Sri Lanka’s last triumph in the SAFF Championship came in 1995, when the national team, led by captain Sampath Perera, defeated India 1-0 in Colombo to lift the historic 1995 SAARC Gold Cup.
An unbeaten campaign on home soil made that victory one of the greatest moments in Sri Lankan football history, creating memories that remain deeply rooted in the country’s footballing identity.
Now, 31 years later, Sri Lanka have another opportunity to write a new chapter in that history. Under the guidance of Abdullah Almutairi, the national team will be hoping to bring back the glory days and challenge the traditional powerhouses of South Asian football.
Sri Lanka’s 28-Member Squad
Captain Sujan Perera will lead the national team, with three goalkeepers included in the squad.
Goalkeepers
- Sujan Perera (C)
- Kaveesha Fernando
- Mohamed Murshith
Outfield Players
- Mohamed Hasmeer
- Muhammedhu Munsif
- Chalana Chameera
- Jude Supan
- Jason Thayaparan
- Greremi Perera
- Willam Thomason
- Anujan Rajendram
- Claudio Kammerknecht
- Bharath Suresh
- Steven Sakayaradjy
- Leon Perera
- Adhavan Rajamohan
- Garret Kelly
- Niloshan Senthurwasan
- Oliver Kelaart
- Dillon De Silva
- Samuel Durrant
- Waseem Razeek
- Wade Dekker
- Rahul Suresh
- Muthuccumuru Remiyan
- Ayman Zawahir
- Regize Canistan
- Aman Fizar
Head Coach: Abdullah Almutairi
A Challenging Group-Stage Campaign
Sri Lanka will begin their SAFF Championship campaign on Sunday, November 8, against Bhutan in what promises to be an important opening fixture. They will then face tournament hosts Bangladesh on November 11 in their second group-stage encounter.
With limited opportunities to make an impression, a positive start will be crucial for the islanders as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals.
SAFF Championship 2026 – Match Schedule
November 5
- Pakistan vs India – 3:00 PM
- Bhutan vs Bangladesh – 7:30 PM
November 8
- Maldives vs Pakistan– 3:30 PM
- Sri Lanka vs Bhutan– 7:30 PM
November 11
- India vs Maldives– 3:30 PM
- Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka– 7:30 PM
November 14 – Semi-Finals
- First Semi-Final – 3:30 PM
- Second Semi-Final – 8:00 PM
November 17 – Final
- Championship Final – 7:30 PM
Can Sujan Perera & Co Bring Back the Glory?
The wait for another South Asian title has been long, but the 2026 edition presents Sri Lanka with a fresh opportunity to restore their footballing reputation.
The combination of emerging talent, experienced campaigners and a new coaching direction provides reasons for optimism. However, the challenge will be significant, with regional rivals equally determined to claim the coveted title.
For Sri Lankan football fans, the hope is simple: to see the Lions rise once again and recreate the magic of 1995.
The excitement, the passion and the battle for South Asian supremacy are set to unfold!
Catch all the action of the SAFF Championship 2026 LIVE on ThePapare TV, via Dialog Television and the Dialog Play app.
One nation. One dream. One mission. Bring the glory home, Sri Lanka!
