The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the squad for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, marking the country’s first-ever participation in a major international futsal tournament. The historic campaign will unfold later this month in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, as Pakistan steps onto the continental stage with hopes of making an impression in the fast-paced indoor game.
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A training camp is currently underway at the Liaquat Gymnasium in Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Complex, where head coach Sakhawat Ali is putting the players through rigorous drills. The squad, carefully selected to balance skill, speed, and stamina, represents the beginning of Pakistan’s formal journey in international futsal.
Pakistan has been drawn in Group D alongside tough opposition. Their campaign will open against Iraq on September 20, followed by a clash with hosts Saudi Arabia on September 22. The final group fixture will see Pakistan face Chinese Taipei on September 24. Each match offers a chance for the team to test their abilities against seasoned sides while gaining vital experience in a format still developing back home.
The announcement is seen as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s football ecosystem, where futsal has been growing rapidly at grassroots and recreational levels. The PFF’s move to establish a national team for the AFC competition not only opens pathways for local players to shine on the international stage but also signals a broader commitment to diversifying football development in the country.
Coach Sakhawat Ali emphasized the importance of discipline and adaptability in futsal, a game where quick transitions, close control, and tactical sharpness matter as much as physical fitness. For players accustomed to traditional football, the shift to futsal’s intensity presents both challenges and opportunities. The qualifiers are expected to serve as a learning curve as well as a showcase of talent.
While the group is competitive, Pakistan’s debut in the qualifiers carries symbolic weight beyond immediate results. By competing against established teams such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the squad gains exposure to international standards and builds confidence for future campaigns. For fans, the event offers a chance to rally behind a national side venturing into uncharted territory.
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup is the premier futsal tournament in Asia, doubling as a pathway to the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Participation itself places Pakistan on the map in a discipline where regional dominance has traditionally belonged to nations like Iran, Japan, and Thailand. The upcoming qualifiers could thus lay the groundwork for long-term development and inspire a new generation of players to take up the sport seriously.
As Pakistan prepares to kick off its campaign in Dammam, anticipation is building at home. With the matches scheduled from September 20 to 24, the futsal community and football enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching the green shirts take their first steps into a competition of this magnitude. For the players, it is more than just a tournament—it is history in the making.
