The AFC has officially designated Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad as the location for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match. Pakistan is set to face Cambodia in the opening round, with the matches scheduled for October 12 in Cambodia and October 17 in Pakistan.
This marks a significant occasion as Pakistan will be hosting an international match for the first time in the past 12 years, the last being in 2011 when they hosted Bangladesh for the 2014 Qualifiers.
In the preceding month, a representative from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) named Kemel Tokabaev conducted a thorough assessment of Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad. During the inspection, all the facilities at the venue were closely examined, and the AFC representative conveyed his satisfaction with the preparations. Subsequently, a report was submitted to the AFC.
Just this week, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) revealed the 24-member strong squad that will participate in the upcoming two Qualifiers matches against Cambodia. In addition, the PFF has appointed Claudio Altieri as the new fitness coach for the national team in readiness for these eagerly awaited matches.
Last month, the Pakistan Football Federation made headlines by appointing English professional football coach Stephen Constantine as the head coach of the national team.