KARACHI: The Pakistan national football team is poised to compete in the FIFA ASEAN Cup following an invitation to participate in the tournament, according to recent media reports.
The newly launched competition is scheduled to take place in Indonesia from September 21 to October 6. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has agreed to the invitation, with the national team expected to compete in Division 1. They will face a challenging lineup including the host nation Indonesia, as well as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and India.
Local sources suggest the inclusion is the result of strategic discussions between PFF President Mohsen Gilani and FIFA leadership. While official confirmation is still pending, this development would represent a historic milestone for the sport in Pakistan, marking the country’s first appearance in a FIFA-backed tournament outside of standard continental or World Cup qualifying cycles.
This news comes on the heels of a significant victory for the national side, which recently ended a 74-year title drought by defeating Afghanistan 2–0 in the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament at the National Stadium, securing their first standalone international championship.