Malik Waqar Ahmed

ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Pakistan Football Federation, hosted a special kick‑off event at the embassy to mark the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and to spotlight the cultural and economic ties the global tournament creates.&nbsp;The highlight of the launch ceremony was the unveiling of an oversized football produced by a manufacturing company based in Sialkot, according to a statement from the US embassy in Islamabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker and PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani welcomed chief guest Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi and Chairman of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, according to the statement. <figure id="isPasted"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2d947498-c9fb-476a-a5f4-b95acad2b6da-55279548397_f8fe624062_c.jpg" alt="55279548397_f8fe624062_c.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>(L-R) Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, US Embassy Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker, PM Youth Programme Chairman</figcaption><figcaption>Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, and Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani during the FIFA World Cup 2026</figcaption><figcaption>countdown launch at the US Embassy in Islamabad, May 19, 2026. (Photo: US Embassy in Pakistan)</figcaption></figure> PFF President Gilani said that the Pakistan national team might not have qualified for the World Cup, but there is a wave of excitement in the country for the first-ever 48-team event in North America. <figure id="isPasted"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/f34e7af5-064d-4e32-877e-3574b8cc740d-55280693544_1792732c49_c.jpg" alt="55280693544_1792732c49_c.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>(L-R) Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani, Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, US Embassy</figcaption><figcaption>Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker, and PM Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan unveil the giant football at the</figcaption><figcaption>US Embassy in Islamabad, May 19, 2026. (Photo: US Embassy in Pakistan)</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;Gilani told Pakistan TV Digital that the event sent a message about the strong partnership between the Pakistan Football Federation and the US Embassy, highlighting the close relationship with the United States.&nbsp;He said that as the US prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico, Pakistan is very excited to be part of the tournament, reflecting the strong collaboration between the two nations.&nbsp;Natalie Baker said that such events will leave a legacy of stronger economies and deeper cultural connections. She added that the embassy looks forward to sharing those experiences with friends and partners in Pakistan. <figure id="isPasted"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/f42ae142-259a-47cb-bda1-4704da5248ee-55280866545_5d89bf3c3e_c.jpg" alt="55280866545_5d89bf3c3e_c.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>US Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker addressing the FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown launch at the US Embassy in Islamabad,&nbsp;</figcaption><figcaption>May 19, 2026. (Photo: US Embassy in Pakistan)</figcaption></figure> &ldquo;It&#39;s the first World Cup launch event to happen in Pakistan, and it kicks off our 250th anniversary celebrations for the United States. In 23 days, we&#39;re going to celebrate the World Cup across 16 cities,&rdquo; Baker told Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp; While speaking with Pakistan TV Digital, she said this will be the biggest World Cup ever. She added that it was very exciting that, right here in Pakistan, at the US Embassy, they&#39;re able to partner with the Pakistan Football Federation to launch the event. Mohsen Gilani expressed his best wishes to the United States in its bid to co-host the 2031 FIFA Women&rsquo;s World Cup in partnership with Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. The program concluded with a ceremonial gift exchange and recognition of two female Pakistan national football players, after which guests were invited to participate in an informal penalty-kick challenge on the field.

(L-R) Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, PM Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, and Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani during the FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown launch a

Football

The US Embassy and Pakistan Football Federation launched Pakistan’s first FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown event in Islamabad, unveiling a Sialkot-made football and highlighting stronger US-Pakistan cultural ties, economic cooperation, and excitement for football’s biggest-ever tournament.

US Embassy, Pakistan Football Federation kick off countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: For the first time in history, Pakistan&#39;s women&#39;s national football team will compete at a FIFA event. The side will depart for C&ocirc;te d&#39;Ivoire on Monday to take part in the FIFA Series. At a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, head coach Adeel Rizki, captain Maria Khan, and Women&#39;s Football Department Director Mejzgaan Orakzai each delivered the same message: the team is going to win. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 625px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2040781463344586997&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F5132%2F&sessionId=6b5c2d37e05a447bcfac632cf01bdc99b47cdca8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div><div class="fr-embed"><div><div> &quot;I believe this is one of the strongest squads we&#39;ve had so far,&quot; Rizki said. &quot;We expect to go there and compete at the highest level and make Pakistan proud.&quot;</div></div></div> Pakistan will face Turks and Caicos Islands, Mauritania, and host nation Ivory Coast, all outside the team&#39;s usual AFC confederation. Women&#39;s Football Department Director Mejzgaan Orakzai said the invitation was secured through the direct efforts of PFF President Mohsen Gilani. &quot;Without his personal involvement and the collaboration of PFF staff, we wouldn&#39;t have been able to do this,&quot; Orakzai said. Captain Maria Khan said Ivory Coast&#39;s World Cup experience changes nothing. Her team has faced that level before. &quot;We played the Philippines, which was also a World Cup team,&quot; she said. &quot;The pressure is on Ivory Coast. It&#39;s not on us.&quot; Maria Khan cited one development as proof of how far the program has come. Several players in the squad are arriving directly from professional club football. &quot;That is one of the best signs for our national team,&quot; she said. On selection, the head coach dismissed any divide between diaspora and local players. &quot;The question is always: which Pakistani player is best suited for which position,&quot; he said. The head coach outlined the program&#39;s targets in order: the SAFF Championship, Asian qualifier berths, then Olympic and World Cup qualification. Meanwhile, Mejzgaan Orakzai stated the PFF Women&#39;s Football Department, which operates as an all-women unit, is also working to build pathways for women coaches, referees, and administrators across all levels of the game.

Pakistan Women’s National Team Captain Maria Khan, alongside Head Coach Adeel Rizki and PFF Director Mejzgaan Orakzai, addresses the media in Lahore on Sunday, April 5, 2026. (PFF)

Pakistan’s women’s football team will compete in a FIFA event for the first time, traveling to Côte d’Ivoire for the FIFA Series as officials express confidence in strong performance.

Pakistan women’s football team makes historic FIFA debut, targets victory

Romesa Umar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s women&rsquo;s football movement is gaining renewed momentum as officials and young players highlight growing participation and opportunities following International Women&rsquo;s Day celebrations in the capital. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) marked AFC Women&rsquo;s Football Day with the &ldquo;Women in Play: Ramzan Football Festival&rdquo; at Jinnah Stadium, bringing together young girls and clubs for a five-a-side tournament aimed at increasing visibility and participation in women&rsquo;s football. PFF Director Women&rsquo;s Football Mejzgaan Orakzai said Pakistan&rsquo;s women&rsquo;s teams have recently shown promising results on the international stage. &ldquo;Our women&rsquo;s national team put up a very good show in the AFC qualifiers last year,&rdquo; Orakzai told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;We were able to secure wins against Indonesia as well as Kazakhstan.&rdquo; She added that the federation has also expanded into new formats of the sport. &ldquo;In January, we formed our first ever national futsal team, and we competed against seven South Asian countries,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We secured two wins and a draw against some very strong teams in South Asia. And we&rsquo;re looking forward to putting up a very good show at the FIFA series happening next month in April.&rdquo; According to the PFF, the upcoming tournament will mark a historic moment for Pakistan, as the women&rsquo;s national team prepares to participate in the FIFA Series in Abidjan, C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire next month. The first time a Pakistan team will feature in the event. The Islamabad festival itself featured participation from five clubs, Legacy, Strikers, Smurfs, Highlanders and Infinite, with dozens of young girls competing in a non-competitive tournament designed to encourage participation and confidence. Orakzai said the event was meant to send a broader message about opportunity and inclusion. &ldquo;As part of International Women&rsquo;s Day, it&rsquo;s a very important reminder for us that we build an equitable, inclusive and supportive society where women can participate and lead in all aspects of life,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We all know historically that women face a lot of barriers in sports in general. In football particularly, women in Pakistan, and globally, face a lot of barriers.&rdquo; She added that the goal of the event was to create a welcoming space for young players. &ldquo;With today&rsquo;s event, our aim was to bring together young women and girls to come and play football in a very inclusive and supportive environment to celebrate International Women&rsquo;s Day,&rdquo; Orakzai said. &ldquo;We saw participation from eight teams representing five clubs here in Islamabad. We saw girls as young as 12 and 13 years old participating. It was really encouraging. My heart is full of joy. I am very hopeful and proud of all the girls who came out and participated.&rdquo; Among those players was 12-year-old Alina Bilal from Smurfs Elite, who said events like these are crucial for young girls entering the sport. &ldquo;I think events like these are really important because it gives women a chance to play and build their confidence,&rdquo; she told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;When women play like this they feel free, and they can express themselves.&rdquo; Bilal said football has been part of her life since early childhood. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been playing since I was about two years old,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;When I play football, I feel free and it takes all of my stress off. I really want to encourage other girls to play.&rdquo; During the festival, Shanzeh Khan of Legacy was named best player, Asra of Strikers finished as top scorer and Aleena Bilal of Smurfs Jr won the best goalkeeper award. PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said the federation remains committed to expanding opportunities for women in the sport. &ldquo;As we celebrate the continued growth of women&rsquo;s football and women in football in the country, the PFF reaffirms its commitment to increasing participation of women in the sport,&rdquo; he said in a statement.

Club teams compete during the “Women in Play: Ramzan Football Festival” organized by the Pakistan Football Federation on International Women’s Day at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, March 8 (Pakistan TV Digital)

Event highlights growing momentum in Pakistan’s women’s football as players and officials mark International Women’s Day with tournament promoting participation.

At Women’s Day, Pakistani athletes push football into new era

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to promote and develop football in Pakistan, the PFF said in an official statement.&nbsp;The agreement, signed by PFF President Mohsin Gilani and SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal, aims to strengthen cooperation in youth development, coaching education, and women&rsquo;s football.&nbsp;Under the partnership, both federations will also collaborate on grassroots programs, training exchanges, friendly matches, and joint development camps, giving Pakistani players and coaches valuable opportunities to learn from Saudi expertise.&nbsp;Officials said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to raising football standards and creating new pathways for players, coaches, and administrators across both countries.&nbsp;&ldquo;This collaboration marks a significant step toward revitalizing Pakistan&rsquo;s football infrastructure and fostering closer regional ties through sport,&rdquo; the PFF statement added.&nbsp;The development follows an earlier understanding signed in Riyadh between former PFF Chairman Haroon Malik and the SAFF leadership to enhance mutual cooperation for the growth and success of football in both nations.&nbsp;For a country where football continues to capture the passion of millions, the latest agreement is being seen as the first whistle of a long-awaited comeback for the sport in Pakistan.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark agreement to advance football development, focusing on youth training, coaching education, women’s football, grassroots programs, and joint camps to strengthen regional sporting ties.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to boost football development

Mariam Ellahi

ISLAMABAD: As the final whistle blew at Islamabad&rsquo;s Jinnah Stadium on Thursday night, the scoreboard read 0-0, &nbsp;but for the crowd spilling out into the cool evening air, the result meant more than just numbers.&nbsp;For many fans, it was an evening of renewed belief that football in Pakistan is finally finding its rhythm. Inside the stadium, Pakistan and Afghanistan fought a tense, end-to-end battle in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier. Both sides pressed hard, but neither could break the deadlock.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s defense, led by Sweden-based Abdullah Iqbal, kept Afghanistan&rsquo;s forwards at bay, while Shayak Dost and Ahmed Faraz came close on the counter. The biggest moment came when Otis Khan&rsquo;s penalty kick flew over the bar, a miss that drew collective gasps from the stands.&nbsp;But outside the stadium, disappointment quickly gave way to pride and optimism.&nbsp;&ldquo;This was a really positive performance for Pakistan,&rdquo; said Zain, a university student draped in a green flag. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve faced so many hardships in our football journey, but today felt different. You could feel the energy. The new faces, the fight. It gives hope to every young footballer dreaming of wearing that green shirt one day.&rdquo;&nbsp;Nearby, Saif, another football enthusiast, praised both teams for their spirit. &ldquo;It was a close, cutting-edge contest,&rdquo; he told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;Pakistan missed a few chances, but the brotherhood between Pakistani and Afghan fans was beautiful. We were joking, cheering together, it felt like football was uniting us.&rdquo;&nbsp;The match also drew fans who usually follow cricket, signaling a cultural shift. Rimsha, a former athlete attending her first live football game, said the sight of packed stands gave her goosebumps.&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve grown up in a cricket-crazy country,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;but tonight showed that Pakistanis love football too. It&rsquo;s amazing to see families, women, and kids all here supporting the team.&rdquo;&nbsp;Head coach Nolberto Solano, speaking after the match, echoed the fans&rsquo; optimism. &ldquo;These players have shown great effort and commitment,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They deserve more opportunities to compete at this level, and more support from the nation.&rdquo;&nbsp;As fans drifted out into the Islamabad night, flags still waving and chants echoing faintly, one thing was clear: even without goals, Pakistan&rsquo;s football revival has found its heartbeat and its believers.

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier - Pakistan vs Afghanistan (PFF)

Pakistan will face Afghanistan again on October 14 in Kuwait, where both teams will fight for their first win in Group E. With morale high after Islamabad’s draw, Pakistan aims to convert promise into points.

Pakistan, Afghanistan battle to goalless stalemate in Asian Cup qualifier

ISLAMABAD: The Afghanistan national football team arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday evening to face Pakistan in a high-stakes AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifier, marking a rare and symbolic sporting encounter between the neighboring countries.&nbsp;The team flew in from Dubai and landed at 7 pm, ahead of the match scheduled for Thursday at 2 pm at the Jinnah Sports Complex, a 48,000-capacity stadium in the heart of Pakistan&rsquo;s capital.&nbsp;The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) confirmed the arrival, with its president, Syed Mohsen Gilani, thanking the federal government for facilitating the Afghan team&rsquo;s travel and coordination.&nbsp;Gilani also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Pakistan Sports Board, and Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination in ensuring smooth arrangements.&nbsp;Security and logistical preparations at the venue have been finalized, and a strong turnout of fans is expected for what promises to be an emotionally charged fixture.&nbsp;The qualifier is part of the road to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027. The first time the Kingdom will host Asia&rsquo;s premier football tournament.&nbsp;The competition, featuring 24 teams across eight stadiums in three cities, also doubles as part of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving both Pakistan and Afghanistan added incentive to perform.&nbsp;This match not only holds sporting significance but also highlights growing regional football engagement amid broader diplomatic challenges, a rare moment where sport once again bridges divides in South Asia.

Afghanistan’s national football team arrived in Islamabad after receiving special visas facilitated by Pakistan’s government, ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, a rare cross-border sporting event symbolizing regional cooperation through football.

Articles tagged with "Pakistan Football Federation"

US Embassy, Pakistan Football Federation kick off countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026

Pakistan women’s football team makes historic FIFA debut, targets victory

At Women’s Day, Pakistani athletes push football into new era

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to boost football development

Pakistan, Afghanistan battle to goalless stalemate in Asian Cup qualifier

Afghan football team lands in Pakistan for Asian Cup clash

US Embassy, Pakistan Football Federation kick off countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026