ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s men’s national football team will make its first appearance in a FIFA-organised tournament when it competes in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia later this year.
The Pakistan Football Federation confirmed that the national side would be among eight teams competing in the tournament’s top division during the September-October international window.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group B alongside Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Hosts Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Singapore will compete in Group A.
The tournament is scheduled to be played from September 24 to October 3, 2026, within FIFA’s broader September 21-October 6 international window.
Pakistan Invited to Inaugural Competition
Pakistan are one of three invited teams taking part in the wider two-tier competition, which features 14 national sides.
Eight teams will compete in the Premier Division in Indonesia, while six sides will contest the second-tier FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup in Hong Kong, China.
Pakistan were reportedly added to the top division after China withdrew to participate in a separate warm-up tournament ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The competition will be played on a round-robin basis. The winners of the two Premier Division groups will advance directly to the final, while the runners-up will contest the third-place playoff.
PFF President Thanks Gianni Infantino
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino for extending the invitation to Pakistan.
“The Pakistan Football Federation is extremely thankful to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for presenting us with the opportunity to participate in our second-ever FIFA event,” Gilani said.
He noted that Pakistan’s women’s team had already participated in the FIFA Series, while the ASEAN Cup would become the men’s team’s first FIFA-organised tournament.
Gilani said the competition would provide Pakistani footballers with an opportunity to face stronger international opposition, gain valuable tournament experience and showcase their abilities on a wider stage.
“It is time to dream big. We are not content with playing in development competitions. Pakistan is ready to mix it with the big boys,” he said.
Tough Group Awaits Pakistan
Pakistan face a demanding challenge in Group B, with all three opponents placed significantly higher in the FIFA rankings reported at the time of the draw.
Thailand were listed 94th, Vietnam 99th and the Philippines 135th, while Pakistan occupied 198th position.
The tournament will therefore offer the national side an important test against established Asian teams during an official international window, allowing participating countries to call up their leading players.
FIFA launched the new ASEAN competition to provide national teams with more meaningful international fixtures and strengthen football ties across Southeast Asia.
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