As a result of increased political rivalry between India and Pakistan, Pakistan has withdrawn from the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026. This has been revealed by Pakistan Football Federation on Thursday. The championship is scheduled to be held in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa from 25th May to 6th June.

The draw for the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 has already been made, and there are six teams that have qualified for the championship. India (Host), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh (Defending Champions), Bhutan, and the Maldives are the six teams participating in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026. This is the second time India has hosted the SAFF Women’s Championship.

Pakistan's decision could significantly harm its women's football team. Due to long-standing administrative problems and limited international matches, the team needed a tournament where its players could be given opportunities. However, following the Pakistan Football Federation's decision, the team's players will no longer be able to showcase their abilities on such a big stage.

This is not the first time Pakistan has withdrawn from an international competition. Previously, Pakistan withdrew from the Men's Junior Hockey World Cup held in Tamil Nadu, India in November, and also did not send its senior men's team to the Asia Cup in Rajgir. India is the most successful team in this tournament, having won the title in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has won the trophy in the last two editions (2022 and 2024).