Sri Lanka face Bhutan in FIFA friendly in Bangkok

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka and Bhutan have agreed to play an international friendly under the FIFA International Friendly Match Series 2026 on June 8 at a neutral venue in Bangkok.

The match will be Sri Lanka’s second international appearance this year. In March, Sri Lanka defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in the second leg of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group ‘D’ competition.

According to the head-to-head record between the two nations, Sri Lanka and Bhutan have met seven times previously, with Sri Lanka winning five matches and Bhutan recording two victories.

Jaswar Umar said the friendly has been arranged as a preparation match ahead of the upcoming SAFF Cup 2026.

The Sri Lanka squad is scheduled to leave for Thailand on June 4 or 5 ahead of the match.

Sri Lanka is currently ranked 191 and a win would take the country up by two paces.

Meanwhile the South Asian Federation (SAFF) Cup 2026 that was scheduled to be played in September and October in Bangladesh has been postponed as India will not be contesting the event.

The Indians will during the same time be contesting a Four-Nations Invitation Tournament that will also have China in the fray.