[2][3] India, the defending champions, won their record-extending ninth championship by defeating Kuwait in the final in the previous edition.
This shift is inspired by the AFF Cup in the ASEAN region, aiming to enhance fan engagement and provide teams with the advantage of playing on home soil.
[9] While SAFF holds the vision to have this edition of the championship in home and away format, it faces various problems in the form of political and logistical challenges.
In case of losing out on support from member associations, SAFF has shown intent to go back to the traditional, centralized venue format.
While the new format appears to mitigate this gulf in quantities, some critics argued that not having one host nation reduces the sense of unity and festivity typically associated with a single-host tournament.
Additionally, logistical and financial challenges, such as traveling and costs between countries for teams and supporters, were cited as potential drawbacks.
Guest nations often bring higher FIFA rankings, better skill levels, and more diverse playing styles, which can elevate the overall quality of matches.
[11] For a region like South Asia, where teams have historically struggled to succeed beyond their borders, competing against stronger opponents provides invaluable exposure and experience.