- India face Bhutan in the semifinal of the SAFF Championship 2026 at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
- The Blue Tigers enter the knockout clash unbeaten after topping Group B, while Bhutan scraped through on goal difference.
- Star striker Suhail Ahmed Bhatt leads the attack for the Blue Tigers as head coach Naushad Moosa relies on a young squad in the absence of senior players touring New Zealand.
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India National Football Team Lineup vs Bhutan OUT: Suhail Ahmed Bhatt in STARTING XI

Summary
India is set to take on Bhutan in the semi-finals of the 2026 SAFF Championship on Saturday, continuing their hunt for a record-extending 14th final appearance in the tournament. With a spot in Tuesday's title clash on the line, fans can expect a competitive battle in Dhaka
The Indian national football team topped Group B with six points after securing a 3-2 win over Pakistan and grinding out a 1-0 victory against Maldives. A win here for Naushad Moosa's side will send the defending champions straight into the final, keeping their hopes of a record-extending 10th title alive.
Meanwhile, the Bhutan national football team reached their first SAFF Championship semi-final in 18 years after finishing second in Group A on goal difference ahead of Sri Lanka. Led by veteran captain Chencho Gyeltshen, the Dragon Boys are aiming to pull off a massive upset against the tournament favourites.
Indian football fans have been eagerly waiting for the India vs Bhutan Lineups, and the team sheet for this crucial knockout tie is finally here.
Despite losing several senior players to club duties and international friendlies in New Zealand, Moosa has put together a well-balanced starting eleven. Many supporters were wondering if former captain Bijoy Varghese would feature in the knockouts, but the defender has joined the New Zealand camp, leaving Chinglensana Singh Konsham to wear the armband.
India National Football Team Lineup vs Bhutan CONFIRMED
Naushad Moosa has opted for a solid 4-2-3-1 setup, which is clear from this India national football team lineup vs Bhutan. Arsh Anwer Shaikh is back between the sticks after his last outing against Pakistan in the opening fixture.
In defence, skipper Chinglensana Singh Konsham pairs up at the heart of the backline alongside Nikhil Prabhu, with Sandip Mandi and Khaiminthang Lhungdim operating as the full-backs. The midfield engine room features Abhishek Suryavanshi and Ricky John Shabong in the center, flanked by Brison Fernandes and Manglenthang Kipgen on the wings in this India national football team lineup vs Bhutan.
Up front, tournament top-scorer Suhail Ahmad Bhat starts in attack alongside Macarton Louis Nickson as the centre-attacking midfielder. Bhat has already netted three goals in two games, including the decisive penalty against Maldives, and remains India's biggest threat in the final third.
Check out the official India vs Bhutan Lineups below.
India National Football Team Lineup vs Bhutan (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Arsh Anwer Shaikh
Defenders: Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Nikhil Prabhu, Sandip Mandi
Midfielders: Ricky John Shabong, Abhishek Suryavanshi, PV Vishnu
Forwards: Brison Fernandes, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Manglenthang Kipgen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suhail Ahmad Bhat staring for India?
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Is Suhail Ahmad Bhat staring for India?
Yes, tournament top-scorer Suhail Ahmad Bhat is starting for the clash against Bhutan.
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