Maldives national team head coach István Urbányi has indicated that the 2026 SAFF Championship could be his final tournament in charge of the side.
Speaking ahead of the team’s Group B matches, Urbányi said he had told players that this might be their last SAFF Championship and encouraged them to make it memorable. He described the competition as an opportunity rather than a source of pressure.
The Maldives are scheduled to face Pakistan and India. Urbányi noted that a win against Pakistan would secure a place in the semi-finals, while a draw would keep the team in contention.
This is Urbányi’s fourth SAFF Championship with the Maldives. He previously coached the team at the 2009, 2011 and 2013 editions. He currently also serves as Technical Director at the Football Association of Maldives.
The tournament is being held in Bangladesh.
