Tag: Pakistan Football

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.

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ISLAMABAD: Syria football team reinforced their dominance over Pakistan with a comprehensive 5-0 victory in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifying clash at Jinnah Stadium on Tuesday.

Mohammad Al-Hallaq opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, capitalising on an assist from Zakaria Hannan, putting Syria ahead early in a game that had no bearing on the Group E standings.

The visitors, having already secured qualification to the next round with four straight wins, rotated their squad to give new players valuable international experience.

The second half saw Syria take complete control. Al-Hallaq doubled the lead in the 48th minute, followed by Yassin Samiah’s strike in the 79th minute, assisted by Mahmoud Al Mawas.

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In injury time, Alaa Al Dali and Samiah added two more goals, with assists from Hasan Dahan and Anas Dahhan respectively, sealing a crushing 5-0 win.

Syria had previously defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the first leg back in March, maintaining their upper hand over the South Asian side.

For Pakistan, the loss highlighted ongoing challenges in Group E, where they sit at the bottom behind Myanmar and Afghanistan.

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup, Asia’s 19th edition of its premier men’s football tournament, will be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, featuring 24 national teams after the 2019 expansion.

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The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Thursday announced a 23-member squad for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Asian Cup 2026 Saudi Arabian Qualifiers, which are scheduled to be held in Cambodia.

The squad coached by Nolberto Solano includes a mix of young and experienced players.

Last month, PFF appointed Nolberto Solano as head coach of Pakistan’s football team.

The decision was taken following a vote by the PFF Executive Committee in which seven of the thirteen members voted in favour of the appointment.

Solano replaced Stephen Constantine, who famously led the Pakistan team to their first-ever victory in a World Cup qualifier in October 2023.

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For context, Pakistan will kick off its campaign in the qualifiers against Iraq on September 3, followed by a game against the host nation, Cambodia, on September 6.

The team will conclude the group stage with a match against Oman on September 9.

Pakistan Squad for U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Adam Najeeb, Hassan Ali, Umair Arooj, Haseeb Khan, Mohib Ullah, Muhammad Adeel, Ans Amin, Muhammad Haroon, Hamza Munir, Ahmed Salman, Junaid Shah, Abdul Rehman, Tufail Khan, Hayyaan Khattak, Muhammad Junaid, Ali Zafar, Adnan Justin, Mckeal Abdullah, Umair Bahader, Furqan Umer, Ali Raza, Suleman Ali, Adeel Younas

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Muhammad Riaz, a footballer who once represented Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games, now finds himself standing at a roadside stall in Hangu, making jalebis to survive.

Riaz’s journey—from playing at an international level to battling financial struggles—highlights the grim reality of football in a country where the sport remains in the shadows of cricket. While football thrives globally, in Pakistan, it continues to be an afterthought.

Like many athletes, Riaz lost his livelihood after the ban on departmental sports—a move that was intended to encourage club-based structures but instead left hundreds of athletes unemployed and struggling to make ends meet.

Although Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced the restoration of departmental sports—abolished in 2019 under the PTI government—Riaz remains one of many athletes still waiting for the promised change.

“For years, I waited for the revival of departmental sports,” Riaz shared with the media. “I was hopeful after the prime minister’s announcement, but the delay has been unbearable.”

With no financial support and no foreseeable future in football, Riaz had no choice but to find another way to feed his family.

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“I had to earn an honest living. That’s why I’m here, making jalebis instead of playing football,” Muhammad Riaz added.

In a heartfelt appeal, he passionately called upon the government to revitalize departmental sports.

He posed a stirring question, challenging the authorities to reflect on whether this dismal fate was truly the destiny reserved for our national heroes, those who once brought pride and glory to the nation.

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Pakistan women’s football team’s seasoned striker Malika-e-Noor announced her shock retirement from the sport with immediate effect.

Noor, who rose to the limelight with his 89th-minute winner for Pakistan against Maldives in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship in 2010 shared that she has formally retired from international football but will continue to play domestic tournaments.

“Probably the hardest decision that I have made in my life! I wasn’t mentally ready—I thought I would give some more years to the team—but the scenarios have changed, and this feels like a must-do,” Noor posted on Instagram.

“RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL!”

 

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A post shared by Malika-e-Noor (@noormalika10)

Malika-e-Noor, who played 25 international football matches for Pakistan, termed it as the biggest honour of her life.

“Representing my country on the world stage has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to wear the national team jersey,” said Noor.

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Noor expressed her satisfaction over playing with “the best teammates” and “exceptional coaches” before going on to thank her friends and family for their unwavering support throughout her professional career.

“From my debut to my final match, the journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories, and invaluable lessons. I have been privileged to play alongside some of the best teammates and under the guidance of exceptional coaches. Each match and every training session has shaped me not only as a player but also as a person,” said Noor.

“Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering support and sacrifices, allowing me to pursue my dreams. To my teammates, thank you for your fellowship and for pushing me to be the best version of myself. And to the fans, your passion and encouragement have been the driving force behind every performance.

“Though I am stepping away from international play, I look forward to continuing my career at the club level and contributing to the game in new ways. I will forever cherish the memories made and the relationships built through this incredible journey.

“My thoughts and best wishes remain with the youth. I hope they find themselves in an environment where they are safe, heard, and treated with equality. Young girls are driving change within the system, and I trust that stakeholders and authorities will recognize this and support the youth in achieving their dreams.”

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The Pakistan men’s football team on Tuesday afternoon, reached Dushanbe, just a few hours ago their scheduled FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match against Tajikistan.

According to the details, a bunch of players and support staff departed for Tajikistan following the national team’s home leg of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Saudi Arabia.

However, some of the players were left behind as their flight to Faisalabad was cancelled twice, pertaining to a bird strike and technical issue.

Then arrangements were made for a chartered flight but it was also cancelled due to technical issues.

The cancellation of the flights had put Pakistan’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match against Tajikistan in limbo until Pakistan Air Force came to the rescue and flew the remaining players from Nur Khan Air Base in the morning to Dushanbe.

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Consequently, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) extended their gratitude to the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army for their “unwavering support”.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistani Government, the Pakistan Army, and the Pakistan Air force for their unwavering support during these challenging times,” said PFF in a statement on its official social media handles.

“A special thank you to the Pakistan Air Force for generously providing their private aircraft, ensuring our safe arrival at our destination.

“Special mention for Chairman NC Haroon Malik for all his efforts in getting this done.

“Today marks our last match day, and we are determined to make the nation proud. Thank you for your continued support.”

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan recently succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Saudi Arabia at Jinnah International Stadium in Islamabad.

Pakistan are at the bottom of Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers as they ended up on the losing side in all five matches played thus far.

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The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Tuesday, named a 24-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers clash against Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan is set to take on Saudi Arabia at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on June 6.

The national team will have the services of former Manchester United youngster and Grimsby Town attacking midfielder Otis Khan, who will lead the team’s attack that features Mckael Abdullah, Imran Kayani, Fareed Ullah, Shayek Dost and Adeel Younas.

Notably, the captain and lead defender Easah Suliman was not named in the Pakistan squad as he is planning to perform Hajj.

Besides him, goalkeeper Adam Khan, who participated in the national team’s training camp, also failed to make a cut.

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For the unversed, Pakistan are at the bottom of Group G as they lost all four matches in the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

Pakistan had an unwanted start to their second-round campaign as they succumbed to a 4-0 defeat against Saudi Arabia in November, followed by a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Tajikistan at Islamabad in the same month.

The national football team then lost to Jordan 3-0 in the home leg of the qualifiers at Jinnah Stadium before they were humbled 7-0 at the Amman International Stadium.

After Saudi Arabia, Pakistan next face Tajikistan in their final group match in the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

Pakistan squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Goal Keepers: Yousuf Butt, Saqib Hanif, Hassan Ali

Defenders: Haseeb Khan, Mamoon Musa, Abdullah Iqbal, Abdul Rehman, Waqar Baloch, Omer Hayat, M. Saddam, M. Fazal

Midfielders: Rahis Nabi, Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Uzair, Umair Ali, Toqeer Ul Hasan, Moin Ahmed, Ali Zafar

Forwards: Otis Khan, Mckael Abdullah, Imran Kayani, Fareed Ullah, Shayek Dost and Adeel Younas

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AMMAN: Star player Musa Al-Taamari struck a rampant hat-trick and bolstered Jordan to a thrashing 7-0 victory over Pakistan in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Amman International Stadium here on Wednesday.

Al-Taamari opened the scoring for Jordan just 15 minutes into the game before Yazan Al-Naimat successfully converted a penalty in the 28th minute to double the home side’s lead.

Being put under immense pressure, Pakistan’s defence managed to hold on to their nerves and conceded no further goal in the first half.

But it crumbled in the second half of the game as the hosts completely outclassed them by scoring five goals.

Saad Al-Rousan brought third success for Jordan in the 52nd minute and opened the floodgates for Pakistan.

Musa Al-Taamari struck his second in the 62nd minute while Ali Olwan secured the fifth goal for Jordan in the 75th minute.

A-Taamari struck again in the 79th minute to complete his hat-trick before Muhammad Abu Zureiq wrapped up the scoring with the seventh goal in the 83rd minute.

The 7-0 victory propelled Jordan to second place in Group Seven of the World Cup Qualifiers, accumulating seven points while Pakistan remained at the bottom.

Last week, Pakistan faced a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Jordan in the first leg of the World Cup Qualifiers against the Asian Cup finalists.

Jordan’s star player Musa Al-Taamari struck twice while Ali Olwan chipped in with a goal during the important match against Pakistan.

Pakistan squad for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Yousuf Butt, Saqib Hanif, Abdul Basit and Hassan Ali.

Defenders: Easah Suliman, Abdullah Iqbal, Mamoon Musa, Haseeb Khan, Mohammad Saddam, Mohammad Sohail, Omer Rao, Mohammad Fazal and Mohammad Adeel.

Midfielders: Rahis Nabi, Harun Hamid, Alamgir Ghazi, Rajab Ali, Ali Uzair, Shayek Dost and Abdul Samad.

Forwards: FareedUllah, Waleed Khan, Imran Kayani and Adeel Younis.

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ISLAMABAD: Tajikistan came out all guns blazing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Pakistan as they handed a 6-1 defeat to the hosts at the Jinnah Stadium here on Tuesday.

Tajikistan started the game on a high as they opened the scoring in the opening minutes when Amadoni Kamolov scored for the touring side. His strike took a minor deflection from Abdullah Iqbal and ran into the net.

The visitors doubled their lead five minutes later with another outside-the-box strike. Tajikistan striker Rustam Soirov fired a scintillating kick which beat Pakistan’s goalkeeper Yousuf Butt.

Pakistan fans at the Islamabad Stadium then finally found a moment to cherish when Rahis Nabi pulled one back for the home side in the 21st minute.

He nailed a long-range strike from his left foot, glimmering a ray of hope for Pakistan.

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Pakistan’s comeback, however, was shortlived as Tajikistan exploited their errors in the possession, especially in the midfield and restored their two-goal advantage in the 26th minute with yet another outside-the-box strike.

The visitors, with momentum in their favour, strengthened their command of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers by netting their fourth goal just before half-time.

There was no change of fortune for Pakistan in the second half as Tajikistan continued to dominate the hosts.

The visitors got another reward for their superior possession and pace in the 66th minute when Kamolov scored a screamer from outside the box.

Pakistan’s struggles did not end there as Tajikistan scored yet another goal in the 90th minute, courtesy of Shahrom Samiev.

In the first match of the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Pakistan suffered a 4-0 thrashing from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

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AL AHSA: Pakistan football team’s head coach Stephen Constantine said that his team conceded goals at the wrong times, leading to them losing with a big margin of 4-0 against a dominant Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

Pakistan football team were thrashed by Saudi Arabia 4-0 during the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, courtesy of Saleh Al-Shahri’s two goals in the early minutes of both halves.

“It was always going to be a difficult game for us. Considering where we were two months ago, we didn’t deserve to lose 4-0. We conceded at the start of both halves, which is probably the worst time to concede goals,” Constantine said during the post-match press conference.

“If you face a team as good as the Saudi team, you must always be focused. We have players whose primary sport is not football. Some of them do not remember the last time they played this game.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the best teams in Asia, so I asked the players to play without fear. Our chances are not easy, especially as we face strong teams, and we must prepare well for the Tajikistan match.”

This was the first time Pakistan played in the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, after defeating Cambodia in the first round.

Pakistan last played against Saudi Arabia in 1978 at the latter’s home and suffered a 6-0 thrashing.

Besides Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, placed in Group G, will face Jordan and Tajikistan. Each team will take on the rest of the teams twice on the basis of home and away leg.

The top two teams from the qualifying round will progress to the third round, in which 18 teams will be divided into three groups.

Whereas, the bottom two sides will advance into the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Pakistan’s next FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier is scheduled against Tajikistan in Islamabad on November 21.

READ: Saudi Arabia defeat Pakistan 4-0 in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers