Sri Lanka to Compete in Maldives Four-Nation Invitational Football Tournament 2026

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has formally confirmed that the Sri Lanka national football team will participate in the Four-Nation Invitational International Football Tournament 2026, set to take place in the Maldives during June–July 2026. This decision follows an official invitation issued by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), which Sri Lanka has accepted positively.

The tournament is being organized in conjunction with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Maldivian football, marking 75 years since the establishment of its independent governing body in 1950. It is scheduled to feature the national teams of Maldives (hosts), Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, bringing together four South Asian football sides for competitive international fixtures.

This invitational tournament will serve as Sri Lanka’s first international football event of 2026. Prior to this engagement, Sri Lanka’s national team is scheduled to play an AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifier match against Chinese Taipei on March 31 away from home as part of Group D.

According to FFSL President Jaswar Umar, Sri Lanka’s participation is part of the team’s broader preparations for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup 2026, scheduled for September–October later in the year. Competing in the Four-Nation tournament is expected to provide additional international exposure and competitive match practice for the squad.

Sri Lanka’s football history with Maldivian jubilee tournaments carries positive memories; notably, during the Maldives Football Golden Jubilee Invitational Tournament in 2000, Sri Lanka defeated the host nation in the final to secure the prestigious Golden Jubilee Trophy. The upcoming event is seen as another opportunity to build on regional relationships and sporting achievements.

The Maldives has also officially unveiled the logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of Maldivian football during a Football Festival held at the National Stadium. The event launch was attended by dignitaries including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, at the invitation of FAM President Ahmed Thoriq, underscoring the significance of the tournament in the region’s football calendar.