The Tajikistan men’s football team has arrived in Islamabad for their second match in the 2nd round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Welcomed warmly at Islamabad International Airport, the team was escorted to their designated hotel, and notable improvements in transportation arrangements were observed compared to previous concerns.
Ranked 109th in the FIFA World Rankings, Tajikistan recently secured a 1-1 draw against Jordan in their inaugural match of the qualifiers in Dushanbe. Although Shahrom Samiev scored for Tajikistan in the 89th minute, Jordan’s Yazan Al-Naimat equalized in the 93rd minute.
Facing Pakistan in the upcoming match at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, Tajikistan aims to continue their campaign in the qualifiers. The match is scheduled for November 21, 2023, at 2 PM.
Pakistan, coming off a significant defeat against Saudi Arabia, where they conceded four goals, stands at the 193rd position in the FIFA World Rankings, while Saudi Arabia holds the 57th spot. Despite the setback, Pakistan is gearing up for their clash with Tajikistan, hoping to rebound in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The improved transportation arrangements for the visiting teams reflect the Pakistan Football Federation’s responsiveness to previous concerns, fostering a positive environment for international football engagements in the country.
