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LAHORE: Pakistan women’s football team have been drawn into the Ivory Coast group for the highly anticipated FIFA Series 2026.

Pakistan women’s football team group for FIFA Series unveiled

The FIFA Women’s Series will be held in March and April 2026, with the opening events scheduled in Brazil, Ivory Coast and Thailand.

According to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the national team will compete alongside Mauritania from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Turks and Caicos Islands from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

The global football governing body is expected to announce the match schedules in due course, with fixtures likely to take place during the first two weeks of April 2026.

For the unversed, the FIFA Series 2026 brings together national teams with a wide range of competitive profiles, reinforcing its development-driven design.

The event will mark a historic moment in Pakistan’s football landscape.

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The participation came on the backdrop of PFF president Mohsin Gillani meeting with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the FIFA Executive Football Summit in 2025.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the development of women’s football in the country, while the men’s team’s potential participation in the future editions of the FIFA series also came under consideration.

“We touched upon key topics such as the development of the women’s football team and the men’s team potentially participating in next year’s FIFA Series,” Infantino was quoted as saying.

“President Gilani brings significant experience and football management know-how to the role, and I look forward to seeing our game take positive strides under his leadership,” Infantino said.

READ: South Africa, Sri Lanka seal commanding victories in U19 World Cup

WINDHOEK: South Africa and Sri Lanka delivered dominant performances to seal victories over Tanzania and Ireland respectively in their group stage fixtures here at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Put into bat first, South Africa racked up a massive 397-5 at the end of their 50 overs.

Skipper Muhammed Bulbulia and Jason Rowles scored commanding centuries, with both batters forging a monumental 201-run stand for the third wicket partnership.

The pair took the score from 93 to 294 in 42.5 overs.

Bulbulia’s innings of 108 from 108 balls was laced with 10 fours and six while Rowles remained unbeaten on 125* from 101 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and five sixes.

For Tanzania, Simba Mbaki picked up two wickets.

In reply, Tanzania could not get going, with the whole team bundled out for only 68 in 32.2 overs. The innings involved two run-outs with one batter absent due to injury.

For South Africa, it was Jason Rowles again with the ball, scalping two wickets. Bayanda Majola also took wickets.

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In the Group A fixture played here at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Sri Lanka crushed Ireland by 106 runs as skipper Vimath Dinsara led from the front with an all-round performance.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to put 267-5 on the board in their 50 overs.

Despite losing three wickets for 59 in 14.2 overs, it was Vimath Dinsara who held the innings together. He strung a couple of partnerships that kept Sri Lanka afloat.

The highlight of Sri Lankan batting was a century stand between Dinsara and Kavija Gamage, which brought the total from 139-4 to 239 in 46 overs.

Dinsara top-scored with 95 from 102 balls, striking half a dozen boundaries and a six.

Gamage fell one short of a half-century, a knock that included six boundaries. Meanwhile, Chamika Heenatigala also chipped in with 51 off 53 balls.

For Ireland, Oliver Riley took two wickets.

In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 161 in 40.1 overs, thanks to Dulnith Sigera’s four-wicket haul.

The Irish batters were in trouble fromthe start, with none of their batters getting going except opener Callum Armstrong, who made 39.

With this win, Sri Lanka registered their second consecutive win of the tournament, having previously defeated Japan in their opening encounter.

READ: WATCH: Ahmed Hussain’s stunning catch against Scotland

HARARE: Pakistan all-rounder Ahmed Hussain took another brilliant catch during his side’s clash against Scotland in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Ahmed, 18, once again made headlines after pulling off a stunning grab against Scotland during the 45th over of the game, highlighting Pakistan’s improved fielding over the past couple of months.

On the fifth ball of Mohammad Sayyam’s over, Scotland batter Manu Saraswat tried to whip a full and straight delivery on the leg side but ended up offering a leading edge. Ahmad Hussain, running back from the backward point, completed an outstanding catch.

 

 

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The catch quickly grabbed attention, with commentators praising the Pakistani fielder for his outstanding grab.

This was not the first time Ahmed demonstrated his fielding prowess. The right-hander also took a blinder at the point during Pakistan’s opening encounter against England.

Nonetheless, Pakistan eased past Scotland by six wickets to open their account in the mega event.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

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Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan starred with the bat, forging a 111-run partnership for the third wicket.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan top-scoring with 75 from 85 balls. Ahmed Hussain remained the second-highest scorer with 47 off 92 deliveries.

For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

READ: U19 World Cup: Usman, bowlers seal Pakistan win over Scotland

Novak Djokovic embarked on his latest quest to win a record 25th Grand Slam by easing to an ominous straight-sets victory Monday at the Australian Open.

The Serb dismissed Spain’s Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and meets Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.

It was his landmark 100th Australian Open victory.

“Great to be back once again, definitely my favourite court,” the smiling 38-year-old told Rod Laver Arena.

“Centurion is pretty nice. I always give my best on the court, history-making is a great motivation.”

He added: “I am blessed to be still playing at this level.”

The former world number one raced into a 3-0 first-set lead as Serbian fans serenaded their hero.

Djokovic, now ranked four, pulled out of a warm-up event this month saying he was not physically ready.

His last competitive match was in early November as he attempts to limit the wear and tear on his creaking body.

But he showed no signs of discomfort or rustiness in moving freely around the Melbourne Park hard court to seal the first set with minimum fuss.

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He broke the 71st-ranked Martinez’s serve early in the second set and was hardly troubled on his own serve to take a 2-0 lead.

The third set went much the same way, the only moment of concern for Djokovic fans coming when he stretched out his right hamstring in between games.

Djokovic will need to gatecrash the duopoly of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner if he is to break a tie with Margaret Court and win an all-out record 25th major.

Sinner is the two-time defending Australian Open champion, and along with Alcaraz has dominated the majors in the past two years.

Djokovic has been stuck on 24 major titles since winning the US Open in 2023.

He reached the last four in Melbourne a year ago but retired from the match against Alexander Zverev with an injury.

He did make one slice of history on Monday, his 81st Grand Slam equalling the all-time record men’s singles appearances with old rival Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez.

READ: Steve Smith keeps T20I dream alive, targets LA Olympics

HARARE: Usman Khan’s 75 and a clinical bowling performance propelled Pakistan to a comprehensive win over Scotland in the 12th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 43 for the opening wicket partnership in 9.4 overs.

Scotland got their first breakthrough in the form of Ali Hassan Baloch, who was bowled by off-spinner Ollie Jones for 15.

Soon after, Jones trapped Sameer Minhas lbw to keep Pakistan in check. Minhas 28 off 30 included three fours.

Consequently, Pakistan were 48-2 in 11.1 overs.

However, Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan forged a 111-run partnership, which brought the Green Shirts to the cusp of their first win in the tournament.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan reaching his half-century on 59 balls. At this stage, Pakistan were 124 for 2 in 31 overs.

Eventually, the stand culminated in the 39th over with Usman’s wicket. The left-hander’s 75 off 85 balls was laced with five fours and two sixes.

The scorecard read 159-3 with Pakistan requiring 29 more runs to win.

Ahmed Hussain, who remained the second-highest scorer with 47, kept the scoreboard ticking until his dismissal in the 41st over, with the team only requiring three to win.

With a couple of tight overs from Scotland, Pakistan finally sneaked through, courtesy of a boundary from skipper Farhan Yousaf’s bat.

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For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

The Green Shirts applied pressure on the Scottish batting lineup right from the onset, with Ali Raza picking up the wickets of opener Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin in the first over.

Robinson made four, whereas Chaplin only managed two. As a result, Scotland were in early trouble with 12-2.

After early wickets, Rory Grant and skipper Thomas Knight steadied the innings with a 47-run partnership. The pair brought the total to 59 in 16.5 overs before Momin Qamar snared Rory Grant, who was caught after scoring 21 from 45 balls.

Pakistan continued to take wickets at regular intervals, with Finlay Carter the next batter to be dismissed after managing 12 from 16.

Scotland were further in dire straits when Ali Raza sent back Ollie Jones and skipper Thomas Knight in one over.

Knight top-scored with 37 from 72 balls with the aid of three fours. Jones, meanwhile, made 30 off 35, which included three boundaries.

After a 40-run partnership between Knight and Jones, Scotland were reduced to 115-6 in 29.2 overs.

However, another stand off 58 runs between Manu Saraswat and Finlay Jones provided them respite, bringing the total to 173 before a lower-order collapse bundled them out for a mere total.

Saraswat 25 from 36 included a boundary, whereas Jones hit two boundaries in his 33 off 56 balls.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

READ: Steve Smith keeps T20I dream alive, targets LA Olympics

Steve Smith has made it clear that despite his absence from Australia’s T20I side, his focus is firmly on representing his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The veteran batter has been in sensational touch during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, producing a blistering 42-ball century and following it up with a 54-run innings to power Sydney Sixers into the Qualifier.

His performances have reignited discussions about whether he could be recalled to Australia’s T20 squad, from which he has been absent since early 2024.

Smith’s last T20I appearance came against New Zealand in February 2024, where he opened alongside Travis Head and managed just four runs.

Since then, he has continued to dominate in T20 leagues, averaging 51.18 at a strike rate of 156, numbers that have kept his name in conversations, even if the selectors’ door remains tightly shut.

But Smith himself appears pragmatic about his international future.

“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship’s sailed,” he said after his 54-run knock against Brisbane Heat on Sunday.

“They’ve got two opening batters doing well. I’m relaxed, enjoying what I’m doing here, and having some fun. My main goal remains the Olympics, which would be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing, and you never know.”

Unlike his ODI career, Steve Smith has not formally retired from T20 internationals, leaving the door slightly ajar.

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Still, the reality is that Australia currently has a settled opening pair in the shortest format, making a comeback increasingly difficult.

Smith has thrived as an opener in the BBL, scoring two centuries and two half-centuries in just five innings this season.

All four of his centuries have come from the top of the order, an adjustment from his usual international role at No. 3 or 4, where he often had to consolidate after early wickets.

“Opening now gives me the freedom from ball one to play how I see it and enjoy myself,” Smith explained. “I’ve played different roles. Often I had to stick it together in the middle, rebuild after early wickets.”

The 36-year-old retired from ODI cricket after last year’s Champions Trophy, choosing to concentrate on franchise cricket across the globe, including stints in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred.

“I’m trying to get stronger and hit the ball further to keep up with some of the big hitters,” he said.

“It’s nice to open and play freely. I stopped playing one-day cricket to focus on franchise tournaments and maintain rhythm. Playing consistently in this format is really important.”

Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, has not dismissed the possibility of Smith returning to the T20I fold, but he admitted it would require a series of favourable circumstances.

“Steven’s been playing incredibly well in the BBL over the last couple of years, but we’ve got strong coverage in that position,” Bailey said. “If there were moving parts and a need arose, no doubt his name would be in the mix.”

READ: Pakistan-India clash confirmed as Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars schedule revealed

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially released the schedule and groupings for the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, with a high-voltage Pakistan–India clash headlining the group stage of the tournament.

The eight-team competition will be staged in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 13 to 22, bringing together emerging women’s sides from across the continent in a bid to showcase the next generation of Asian cricketing talent.

As per the ACC announcement, Pakistan and India women’s teams have been drawn together in Group A, alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nepal. Group B will feature Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and hosts Thailand.

The much-anticipated Pakistan–India encounter has been scheduled for February 15 and is expected to be the marquee fixture of the group stage, adding further intrigue to the Rising Stars tournament.

Pakistan will kick off their campaign on the opening day against Nepal on February 13 before taking on the UAE on February 17.

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India, meanwhile, begin their journey against the UAE and will face Nepal prior to the blockbuster clash with Pakistan.

The group stage will run until February 18, after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for February 20.

The tournament will culminate with the final on February 22.

The Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 is seen as a key platform for developing young players and strengthening the women’s game across Asia, with several teams eyeing the event as a stepping stone toward senior-level success.

Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Schedule

Feb 13, Friday

• 9:30 AM: Pakistan vs Nepal
• 2:00 PM: India vs UAE

Feb 14, Saturday

• 9:30 AM: Malaysia vs Thailand
• 2:00 PM: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

Feb 15, Sunday

• 9:30 AM: UAE vs Nepal
• 2:00 PM: India vs Pakistan

Feb 16, Monday

• 9:30 AM: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia
• 2:00 PM: Bangladesh vs Thailand

Feb 17, Tuesday

• 9:30 AM: India 🇮🇳 vs Nepal 🇳🇵
• 2:00 PM: Pakistan vs UAE

Feb 18, Wednesday

• 9:30 AM: Bangladesh vs Malaysia
• 2:00 PM: Sri Lanka vs Thailand

Feb 20, Friday

• 9:30 AM: Semi-Final 1 → A1 vs B2
• 2:00 PM: Semi-Final 2 → B1 vs A2

Feb 22, Sunday: FINAL

READ: Real Sociedad end Barcelona winning streak to tighten Liga title race

Real Sociedad damaged Barcelona’s title defence ambitions as Goncalo Guedes gave them a surprise 2-1 La Liga victory on Sunday as Hansi Flick’s side fell to a first defeat in 12 matches.

The Catalan giants, who hit the woodwork four times and had two goals disallowed, now only lead rivals Real Madrid by a single point at the top of the table after Alvaro Arbeloa’s side beat Levante on Saturday.

Hosts Real Sociedad, now unbeaten in four games under new American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, had Carlos Soler sent off late on but managed to hold on to triumph and climb up to eighth.

“I think we deserved to win today, we had a lot of chances, but in the end you have to put them away,” Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told DAZN. “We played well, but we didn’t win… their goalkeeper had a very good game.”

Real Sociedad shot-stopper Alex Remiro made several crucial saves.

“Three great points and a great game,” said Remiro. “We’ve started this year in great form… this is the energy we have, how we’ve changed (recently).”

In a frantic start to a compelling game at the rainy Reale Arena, both teams had goals ruled out.

La Real had the ball in the net inside 30 seconds when Mikel Oyarzabal headed home Guedes’s cross, but had strayed offside.

At the other end, Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez drilled home from range, but Dani Olmo had committed a foul in the build-up, and it was ruled out.

With teenage winger Lamine Yamal keen to take on defenders, Barca got in often down the right flank. The 18-year-old teed up Olmo, who fired high over the bar when he might have sent the Catalans ahead.

Yamal found the net himself, but the goal was ruled out for an extremely tight offside, before Real Sociedad took the lead against the run of play.

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Oyarzabal lashed home Guedes’s cross with a blistering volley inside Joan Garcia’s near post.

Yamal was felled just inside the area before half-time, but although the referee pointed to the spot, a VAR review showed that the youngster was offside again, and it was cancelled out.

Barcelona turned up the pressure in the second half, and Real Sociedad were left depending on Remiro and the frame of the goal to keep the Catalans at bay.

Olmo crashed a shot against the post from Lopez’s cross, and then Remiro denied the Barca midfielder with a fine near-post save.

Remiro then tipped substitute Robert Lewandowski’s header against the crossbar with the save of the night.

Another Barca substitute, Marcus Rashford, eventually pulled the champions level, heading Yamal’s cross home after 70 minutes.

However, the hosts immediately regained their advantage after Barca goalkeeper Garcia initially saved Carlos Soler’s shot. The midfielder was able to gather the rebound and cross for Guedes, who fired La Real ahead again.

They should have got a third when Garcia, out of his goal, had no chance of saving Oyarzabal’s effort, but Pau Cubarsi headed the ball off the line.

Barcelona came within centimetres of an equaliser when Joao Cancelo, on his second debut for the club, crossed for Jules Kounde, who headed against the crossbar.

Soler was dismissed for an ugly foul on Pedri before nine minutes of stoppage time were added on.

Rashford hit the post directly from a corner kick as Barca pushed until the end but could not find a way through.

READ: Senegal stun hosts Morocco to win AFCON title

Senegal stunned Morocco in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final as Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win over the hosts at the end of a match marred by disgraceful scenes following a controversial penalty award.

Brahim Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco when he stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 24th added minute at the end of normal time.

But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay of almost 20 minutes that followed the penalty award.

Congolese match referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty right at the end of the allotted eight added minutes following a VAR check for a challenge on Diaz in the box by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Diaz, the rest of the Moroccan team and their bench vehemently protested to the referee to check the images, but the decision to eventually give the spot-kick was met with fury by Senegal and their fans.

As most of their players walked off the pitch, some Senegal supporters in the small section of away fans at the opposite end of the stadium threw chairs and other objects and attempted to get onto the field of play.

They were eventually contained by a large barrier of police and stewards, and their anger turned to delight and disbelief when the penalty was saved.

The Senegal team had initially been riled by the referee’s decision to disallow for a foul a goal they scored in the second added minute when Abdoulaye Seck headed off the post at a corner, and Ismaila Sarr nodded in the rebound.

After Diaz’s penalty miss, however, it felt almost inevitable that a galvanised Senegal would go on to score, and they did so in the fourth minute of extra time to stun the home fans in the crowd of 66,526 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and found Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released his namesake Pape Gueye.

The Villarreal midfielder held off the backtracking Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi as he advanced towards the box before beating goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a superb strike into the top corner.

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Morocco were distraught, in particular Diaz, who was promptly substituted.

They could still have forced a penalty shoot-out, with Nayef Aguerd heading against the crossbar in the second half of extra time.

But it was not to be for the hosts, who had been dreaming of winning the title in front of their own fans to end a 50-year wait to become African champions for just the second time.

Senegal could have been more comfortable had Cherif Ndiaye not squandered a glorious chance to make it 2-0 late in the extra period, but they held on.

It is their second Cup of Nations title in the last three editions, following their victory over Egypt on penalties in Yaounde in 2022, which secured the trophy for the first time in their history.

They can now look forward to heading to the United States for the World Cup in June, and will hope to persuade star man Mane to play at another AFCON after he declared that the final would be his last ever game at the tournament.

Any investigation into the disgraceful scenes during the game will focus on the conduct of the Senegal team and their fans, as well as any shortcomings by Moroccan organisers.

The incidents came at the end of a tense final, which had been low on goalmouth action — not exactly surprising given the defensive strength of Africa’s best teams according to the FIFA rankings.

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Bounou when clean through with the best chance in the first half, while Morocco should have scored just before the hour mark, but Ayoub El Kaabi prodded wide from a Bilal El Khannouss cross.

Then came the late drama, with Senegal surviving the penalty award before Gueye became their hero, that was the first goal scored by the Lions of Teranga in an AFCON final after they had failed to find the net in any of their three previous appearances in the tournament’s deciding game.

It was an agonising way for Morocco’s campaign to end, and many of their fans had left the stadium before the final whistle on a cold and wet night in Rabat.

READ: Australia name squad for T20I tour of Pakistan

MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which will serve as a crucial tune-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

All three matches of the series will be staged at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31 and February 1, marking Australia’s latest white-ball assignment on Pakistani soil ahead of the global event next month.

Experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will continue as captain, with several senior figures returning to the setup following their involvement in the Ashes series against England.

Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis headline a squad that blends established internationals with emerging talent.

The series, however, overlaps with the knockout stages of the Big Bash League (BBL), meaning players still active in the domestic competition will link up with the national side once their franchise commitments conclude.

Several high-profile players will miss the Pakistan tour as Australia manage workloads and fitness concerns.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis have all been rested, with Cummins, Hazlewood and David continuing their rehabilitation from recent injuries.

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In their absence, selectors have opted to expand the squad with several backup and development options, including Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe and Matthew Renshaw.

Fast bowler Beardman and all-rounder Edwards have been rewarded for standout performances in the ongoing BBL.

Despite remaining uncapped at the international level, both have previously spent time with Australian squads and are viewed as long-term prospects.

Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, said the Pakistan series offers a timely opportunity to test depth ahead of the World Cup.

“This series is a great opportunity for players on the fringe and some younger cricketers we rate highly to gain experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan,” Bailey said.

“Some are already established internationals, while Mahli Beardman has been around the group a few times, and Jack Edwards was part of the squad for the final ODI against India in Sydney last year.”

Australia squad for Pakistan T20Is

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.

READ: PSL 11 to feature first-ever player auction in league’s history