Pakistan men’s football team to make historic FIFA event debut at inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup

Pakistan’s men’s football team is set to make history by participating in its first-ever FIFA-sanctioned tournament after being confirmed for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup later this year.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced that the national team will be among 14 participants in the competition, which will be staged during the extended FIFA international window in September and October.

Pakistan have been included in the main FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia alongside regional heavyweights Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The Shaheens are one of three invited teams in the tournament, which brings together nations from Southeast Asia and invited participants.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani described the invitation as a landmark moment for Pakistan football and thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino for providing the opportunity.

He said the tournament would mark the men’s national team’s maiden appearance in a FIFA event, following the women’s team’s participation in the FIFA Series, and would offer valuable experience against high-quality opposition.

Gilani added that the FIFA ASEAN Cup would allow Pakistan to play meaningful competitive matches during the expanded 16-day international window, reflecting the federation’s commitment to ensuring regular international exposure for its national teams.

The tournament will feature two tiers of competition. The main FIFA ASEAN Cup, hosted by Indonesia, will include Pakistan and seven other teams, while the FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup will feature Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Hong Kong and China.

Teams will be grouped according to their FIFA rankings to ensure competitive balance. Both tournaments will follow a single round-robin format, with group winners advancing to the final and runners-up competing for third place.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the tournament was designed to provide national teams with meaningful competitive opportunities while strengthening football development and regional ties.

Calling the invitation a major milestone, Gilani expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ambitions on the international 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. Pakistan football has well and truly arrived at the global stage,” he said.