SAFF Women's Championship 2026

Nepal and Bangladesh played to a 1-1 draw in the semi-final of the 2026 SAFF Women's Championship. Nepal took the early lead with a goal by Gita Rana, but Bangladesh equalized before halftime.

Nepal secured a 1-0 victory over Bhutan in the opening match of the 2026 SAFF Women's Championship with a deflected goal credited to Gita Rana. The team played without key striker Sabitra Bhandari, who was recovering from anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship started in Goa, India with six South Asian teams participating. Nepal began in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan, competing in a round-robin format with top teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Nepal’s Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel congratulated the women’s national football team ahead of the SAFF Women’s Championship and assured government support for sports development. He praised the team’s recent international improvement and reiterated commitment to advancing the sports sector.

The Nepali government revoked the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association, resolving a 51-day dispute and allowing Nepal’s women’s team to participate in the SAFF Women’s Championship in India. The suspension had caused uncertainty over Nepal’s international football participation and risked FIFA sanctions.

A dispute between the National Sports Council and the All Nepal Football Association threatened Nepal’s 42-year legacy in South Asian football and risked missing the 2026 SAFF Women's Championship. Nepal has participated in all prior SAFF tournaments but faced uncertainty due to administrative conflicts.

Nepal's women's football team began their SAFF Championship camp under uncertainty due to a power struggle between the All Nepal Football Association and National Sports Council, risking Nepal's participation. Coaching staff continued training while players were barred from interviews to avoid addressing administrative disputes.

Nepal was granted an indirect slot for the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League but faces likely loss of it due to organizational issues and club licensing problems affecting domestic football clubs' eligibility. This continues a pattern of Nepal's domestic league challenges preventing participation in recent AFC seasons, impacting financial and international opportunities.

Nepal's women's national football team began their first phase of closed training camp on April 27, 2026, in preparation for the SAFF Women's Championship scheduled from May 25 to June 7, 2026, in Goa, India. The team aims to win the championship title for the first time.

Nepal was placed in Group A of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The tournament will be held in Goa from May 25 to June 6, 2026, with defending champions Bangladesh in Group B with India and Maldives.

ANFA named 35 players for a closed camp despite its suspension by the National Sports Council, risking FIFA sanctions that could affect Nepal’s participation in the SAFF Women’s Championship. FIFA opposes the suspension and urges lifting it to avoid sanctions.

The All Nepal Football Association announced a 35-member preliminary squad for the SAFF Women's Championship 2026, targeting their first title under coach Nabin Neupane. The tournament is scheduled in Margao, Goa, India from May 25 to June 7, 2026.