In a historic achievement, the Pakistan men’s football team qualified for the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time in its 76-year history by defeating Cambodia 1-0 at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad. Despite being ranked 193rd in FIFA World Rankings, football holds significant importance among the masses in Pakistan.

A thread from the ‘FootballPakistan.com’ account highlights the love for football in various cities across the country. Contrary to the misconception that football is not popular in Pakistan, the match between Pakistan and Cambodia drew over 13,000 spectators, marking the first football match on Pakistani soil in six years.

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After qualifying for the second round, Pakistan played its first home match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tajikistan in Islamabad. The game attracted over 22,500 spectators, showcasing the growing interest and support for football in the country.

Despite the absence of a proper football league, the sport is gaining momentum, and the football community is hopeful for further progress with the establishment of a league system in Pakistan. The head coach, Stephen Constantine, aims to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and with continued progression, the team eyes qualification for the 2038 FIFA World Cup.