Pakistan’s men’s national football team is set to make history. For the first time, the Shaheens will take part in a FIFA ASEAN Cup. The inaugural tournament will be held in September and October 2026.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) confirmed the news. Pakistan is one of 14 teams invited. Eight teams will play in Indonesia, the main host. The other teams include Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Three invited sides, including Pakistan, join 11 teams from Southeast Asia.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “This is our men’s team’s first FIFA event,” he said. “It gives us a chance to play strong matches against top teams from the region.”
The FIFA ASEAN Cup has two levels. The main cup is in Indonesia. A second tier, the FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup, will be hosted by Hong Kong, China, with teams like Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste.
Teams will be placed in groups based on FIFA rankings. They will play a round-robin format. Group winners go to the final, while runners-up play for third place.
This follows the women’s team’s earlier appearance in a FIFA Series. Gilani called it a big step for Pakistani football. “We are ready to compete with stronger teams,” he added. “Pakistan football has arrived on the global stage.”
This is a big opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its talent in football as well. The event could also strengthen football’s popularity in Pakistan.