Bangladesh Name 28-Man Preliminary Squad for SAFF Championship 2026; Hamza to Miss Bhutan Clash
Bangladesh SAFF Championship 2026 Squad Announced
Bangladesh have announced a 28-member preliminary squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, which will take place in Dhaka from November 5 to 17. Head coach Thomas Dooley has selected a mix of experienced international players, emerging talents and footballers based overseas as the hosts prepare for the regional tournament.
The squad includes midfielder Hamza Dewan Choudhury, who plays for Sheffield United, alongside expatriate players Shamit Shome, Jamal Bhuyan and Farhaan Ali Wahid. However, Hamza and Farhaan are expected to miss Bangladesh鈥檚 opening Group A match against Bhutan on November 5 because of the timing of their release from their English clubs.
According to reports, the two players are expected to join the national team on November 9, potentially making them available for the match against Sri Lanka on November 11. Their delayed arrival presents a challenge for Dooley as Bangladesh look to prepare at home for a tournament in which they will be aiming to make a strong start.
Hamza Choudhury to Miss Bangladesh鈥檚 Bhutan Clash
Hamza鈥檚 inclusion is a significant boost to Bangladesh鈥檚 squad, but his availability for the opening fixture remains an issue. The midfielder鈥檚 club commitments mean he is not expected to join the national team before the FIFA international window begins on November 9.
Farhaan Ali Wahid, who is associated with Boreham Wood after coming through Fulham鈥檚 youth setup, is also expected to arrive around the same time. As a result, Bangladesh will have to begin their campaign against Bhutan without the two England-based players.
The timing leaves Dooley with limited opportunities to integrate the pair into the squad before the Sri Lanka fixture. It also highlights the challenge national teams face when major tournaments begin outside the period when clubs are required to release players.
Ronan Sullivan and Mahe Khan Earn Maiden Call-Ups
Two of the notable inclusions are Ronan Benjamin Sullivan and Mohammed Mahe Khan, who have earned their first call-ups to Bangladesh鈥檚 senior preliminary squad.
Sullivan plays collegiate football for Saint Joseph鈥檚 Hawks in the United States and attracted attention through his performances for Bangladesh鈥檚 under-20 side. He helped the team win the SAFF U-20 Championship earlier in 2026, scoring twice against Pakistan before Bangladesh defeated India in the final.
Mahe Khan, an 18-year-old forward, has also earned an opportunity after an impressive start to the season with Moulton FC in England鈥檚 United Counties League Premier Division South, the ninth tier of English football. He scored nine goals in seven appearances, strengthening his case for a senior opportunity.
Their inclusion gives Bangladesh additional attacking options as Dooley assesses his squad ahead of the tournament. Both players will be looking to turn their preliminary selections into places in the final team.
Experienced Players Return to the Bangladesh Squad
The preliminary squad also features the return of defenders Topu Barman and Bishwanath Ghosh, who missed Bangladesh鈥檚 recent FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign because of injuries. Forward Foysal Ahmed Fahim has also returned to the squad after missing that competition through injury.
Their inclusion offers Dooley more options as he works to build a balanced team for the home tournament. Experienced midfielder Jamal Bhuyan and overseas-based player Shamit Shome are also among the selected names.
Bangladesh have invited Md Ishaque Akando and Md Asif to join the training camp as additional players, although they are not part of the announced 28-member preliminary squad.
Bangladesh鈥檚 28-Member Preliminary Squad
Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Md Sujon Hossain, Md Mehdi Hasan Srabon.
Defenders: Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Md Saad Uddin, Md Rahmat Mia, Zidane Alexander Yousuf, Md Isa Faysal, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed.
Midfielders: Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Md Ridoy, Hamza Dewan Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Syed Quazem Kirmanee Shah, Jamal Bhuyan, Ronan Benjamin Sullivan.
Forwards: Farhaan Ali Wahid, Shekh Morsalin, Rakib Hossain, Md Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Fahamedul Islam, Mohammad Ibrahim, Suki Itofusa, Md Minhazul Karim Shadin, Mohammed Mahe Khan.
Additional training players: Md Ishaque Akando and Md Asif. They have been invited to train with the team but are not included in the 28-member preliminary squad.
Bangladesh鈥檚 SAFF Championship 2026 Fixtures and Group
Bangladesh are in Group A alongside Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The hosts will begin their campaign against Bhutan on November 5 before facing Sri Lanka on November 11.
Group B comprises defending champions India, Pakistan and the Maldives. The SAFF Championship will be held at the National Stadium in Dhaka from November 5 to 17, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Bangladesh won their only SAFF Championship title in 2003 and last hosted the tournament in 2018. Playing at home gives the team an opportunity to build momentum, but managing player availability and preparing effectively for the opening match will be important as they seek a place in the knockout stage.
