Football
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 24 Jan, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News):The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ is already redefining women’s club football and is set to continue that trend by introducing record-breaking prize money that firmly establishes the tournament among the premier competitions in the global game. The club that lifts the brand-new FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy in 2026 will receive USD 2.3 million, while the runners-up will earn USD 1 million, setting a new benchmark for the sport.In addition to the prize money awarded to the finalists, the two sides that bow out in the semi-finals will each receive USD 200,000 in participation payments. Meanwhile, the two teams eliminated in Round 1 and Round 2 – OFC representatives Auckland United FC of New Zealand and AFC representatives Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC of China PR – will receive USD 100,000 each.“A total payout of close to USD 4 million distributed among the six participants based on their performance is a clear statement of the belief in women’s club football and the players, teams and competitions driving its continued rise,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.“It reflects the global growth of the women’s game and FIFA’s commitment to making targeted, meaningful investments that strengthen women’s club football for the long term. Our focus is clear: to continue investing in, growing and elevating women’s club football at every level – ensuring that opportunity, visibility and value keep pace with the exceptional performances seen on the pitch.”The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ forms part of a broader strategy of investment and collaboration to strengthen women’s club football worldwide. Following the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, USD 11.3 million was paid out to 1,041 clubs around the world through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme.Those efforts have been complemented by the strengthening of the Women’s International Match Calendar through structural reforms and the launch of new elite club competitions, including the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™, set to debut in 2028. The latter will introduce a range of groundbreaking measures from the outset – including training compensation, club solidarity mechanisms and minimum standards programmes – designed to raise club performance worldwide and support the long-term sustainability of the women’s club game.About the tournamentThe FIFA Women’s Champions Cup brings together the best club from every confederation for that calendar year to compete for the title of intercontinental club champions. The final phase of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will take place in London on Wednesday, 28 January and Sunday, 1 February 2026.The two semi-finals are scheduled to take place at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday, 28 January. Supporters can look forward to two high-quality encounters, the first of which will see Concacaf champions Gotham FC (United States) battle it out against CONMEBOL champions SC Corinthians (Brazil) at 12:30 GMT (13:30 CET). This will be followed by UEFA Women’s Champions League holders Arsenal Women FC (England) locking horns with CAF Women’s Champions League titlists ASFAR (Morocco) at 18:00 GMT (19:00 CET).
FOOTBALL - Int News 23 Jan, 2026
Lahore (Press Release): Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani held a high-level meeting with Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker, in a significant engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation through football and promoting Pakistan’s positive image on the global stage. During the meeting held at the Freedom 260 Liberty Bell Initiative, themed “Let Freedom Ring” launched by the US Mission in Pakistan, President Gilani shared the PFF’s renewed vision under the current leadership and outlined plans to work closely with the US Embassy in areas where sport, particularly football, can serve as a bridge between nations. He emphasised that football has the power not only to develop athletes but also to promote unity, youth engagement, and a progressive international image of Pakistan. During the meeting, President Gilani articulated a vision where the PFF and the US Embassy work in tandem to amplify Pakistan’s international profile. He briefed the Ambassador on the robust support the federation has received from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Sports, particularly regarding grassroots initiatives. Expanding on these efforts, Gilani remarked: "Our collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office is not merely about sport; it is a dedicated mission to empower the youth of Pakistan. By aligning our internal operational framework with global standards, we are preparing a generation that can represent the true, vibrant spirit of our nation on the world stage." Ambassador. Baker lauded the rapid institutional progress achieved under Mr. Gilani’s leadership over the past six months, noting the visible surge in fan engagement and government backing. The discussions culminated in a mutual pledge to prioritize three pillars of development: the advancement of women’s football, high-performance youth programs, and a massive promotional drive for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States will co-host. Reflecting on the global significance of the tournament, President Gilani stated: "Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the United States in its journey toward a successful World Cup. This campaign is a golden opportunity to showcase a positive image of Pakistan through our shared passion for the game, and we intend to be a key partner in celebrating this global spectacle." Beyond the World Cup campaign, the PFF President emphasized that the federation is treating women’s football as a cornerstone of its modernization strategy. He expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government for providing the necessary "administrative backbone" that has enabled such significant milestones in a remarkably short timeframe. As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed that this partnership transcends the pitch, serving as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and long-term institutional governance that will ensure Pakistani football never regresses into the stalemates of the past.
FOOTBALL - National 20 Jan, 2026
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD; The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has appointed seasoned administrator Mohammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) in order to fortify its administrative backbone and modernize the country’s football landscape.The appointment is being hailed by insiders as a landmark shift toward institutional governance. Khokhar, who formally assumed charge of PFF COO on Tuesday, is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in Pakistani football’s survival and subsequent revival.Khokhar’s elevation to the role of COO is backed by a formidable track record. As a former member of the FIFA Normalization Committee, he was a central architect in navigating the federation through a tumultuous decade-long crisis. His ability to steer the sport through administrative deadlock and international isolation earned him a reputation as a sophisticated crisis manager and a stabilizing force in the PFF’s most challenging hours.Beyond his domestic influence, Khokhar brings an invaluable layer of international prestige to the PFF. Highly respected by FIFA, the AFC, and other global footballing bodies, his presence is expected to serve as a bridge between Pakistan and the international football community. His mandate as COO involves more than just oversight; he is tasked with: Aligning the PFF’s internal operational framework with FIFA’s global best practices; leveraging his credibility to enhance Pakistan’s standing in global football circles and implementing long-term administrative strategies to ensure the sport never regresses into the stalemates of the past.With football in Pakistan entering a phase of renewed hope, Khokhar’s appointment signals the federation’s commitment to professionalism. By placing an experienced "Normalization" veteran at the helm of operations, the PFF aims to transform the sport’s infrastructure into a robust and world-class entity.
FOOTBALL - Int News 19 Jan, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News): FIFA has confirmed the full line-up of hosts and the composition of the groups for the FIFA Series 2026™, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the initiative for men’s and women’s national teams.Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April. With 48 participating teams – representing almost 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series.Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events, with Rwanda hosting two groups, bringing the total number of groups to 12. The initiative will include nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Series™.The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.Five men’s national teams participating in the FIFA Series 2026 – Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand and Uzbekistan – have also qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, further highlighting the competitive relevance of the initiative alongside its development objectives.The FIFA Series also continues to support holistic football development off the pitch. Hosting and Participating Member Associations benefit from hands-on experience in event delivery, operational planning, referee development and competition organisation, mirroring the conditions of major international tournaments and strengthening capacity across multiple functional areas.The FIFA Series 2026 remains fully aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, providing national teams with opportunities for cross-confederation competition without adding fixtures to the international match calendar, while promoting technical growth, organisational development and global exchange.MEN'S GROUPSAustralia (AFC)Australia (host)CameroonChina PRCuraçaoAzerbaijan (UEFA)Azerbaijan (host)OmanSierra LeoneSt LuciaIndonesia (AFC)BulgariaIndonesia (host)Solomon IslandsSt Kitts and NevisKazakhstan (UEFA)ComorosKazakhstan (host)KuwaitNamibiaNew Zealand (OFC)Cabo VerdeChileFinlandNew Zealand (host)Puerto Rico (Concacaf)American SamoaGuamPuerto Rico (host)US Virgin IslandsRwanda(CAF) – Group AEstoniaGrenadaKenyaRwanda (host)Rwanda (CAF) – Group BArubaLiechtensteinMacauTanzaniaUzbekistan (AFC)GabonTrinidad and TobagoUzbekistan (host)VenezuelaWOMEN'S GROUPSBrazil (CONMEBOL)Brazil (host)CanadaKorea RepublicZambiaCôte d’Ivoire (CAF)Côte d’Ivoire (host)MauritaniaPakistanTurks and Caicos IslandsThailand (AFC)Congo DRNepalOFC teamThailand (host)
FOOTBALL - National 18 Jan, 2026
Lahore (Sports News): A delegation of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), representing PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani, held a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, aimed at reviving and promoting football in Balochistan.The PFF delegation comprised Advisor to the PFF President Eyab Ahmed and Director Legal PFF Ali Akram. The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir, Provincial Minister for Sports Meena Majeed, and Inspector General of Police Balochistan Tahir Khan, highlighting the government’s collective interest in sports development.Discussions focused on the revival and long-term development of football across Balochistan, with particular emphasis on upgrading sports infrastructure and introducing structured youth education and development programmes. Both sides stressed the urgent need to create sustainable pathways for young talent, especially in underserved areas of the province.A key highlight of the meeting was the proposed implementation of FIFA’s “Football for Schools” programme and the establishment of FIFA Arena pitches. These initiatives are designed to strengthen grassroots football, encourage youth participation, and enhance talent identification through modern, community-based facilities.Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed the government of Balochistan’s full support for football and sports development in the province. He assured the PFF delegation that any challenges or administrative hurdles faced by the federation would be addressed on a priority basis, emphasizing that empowering youth through sports remains a core objective of the provincial government.The PFF delegation welcomed the Chief Minister’s commitment and endorsed his vision for sports-led youth empowerment. They reiterated the federation’s resolve to work closely with the government of Balochistan to ensure institutional strengthening, sustainable football development, and the long-term revival of the game in the province through coordinated planning and execution.
FOOTBALL - Int News 09 Jan, 2026
Lahore (PR): Pakistan football is set to enter a new chapter as the country’s U-16 men’s national team prepares to feature in a UEFA-sanctioned competition for the first time in history, with matches scheduled to be played in Kazakhstan from April 24 to 30.The landmark participation represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s youth football programme and reflects the renewed international engagement and reform-driven vision of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). The development comes under the leadership of PFF President Syed Mohsen Gillani, whose tenure has focused on restoring Pakistan’s presence on the global football stage through structured planning, governance reforms, and increased international exposure for emerging talent.Officials within the PFF view the invitation to a UEFA competition as a major endorsement of Pakistan football’s credibility, particularly at the grassroots and youth levels. Competing against international opposition in a high-standard environment is expected to provide invaluable experience to young Pakistani players and accelerate their technical and tactical development. The initiative aligns with the PFF’s broader strategy to strengthen the national football pathway by offering consistent competitive opportunities beyond the regional level. By engaging with UEFA competitions and international federations, the PFF aims to bridge the development gap and prepare future national players for elite-level football. “This is not just a tournament appearance; it is a statement of intent,” a PFF official said, noting that the opportunity highlights Pakistan’s growing acceptance within the international football community after years of administrative challenges and isolation. The U-16 team’s participation is also being viewed as a symbol of renewed confidence in Pakistan football’s governance and direction, showing the Pakistan Football Federation and its leadership’s commitment to long-term planning, youth investment, and international collaboration. The PFF official added: "As Pakistan’s young footballers prepare to test their skills on a European platform, the historic tour is expected to inspire the next generation and reinforce the belief that Pakistan can steadily reclaim its place in global football through structured development and sustained international engagement."
FOOTBALL - World Cup 29 Dec, 2025
Islamabad (Sports News): At the halfway point of the ongoing Random Selection Draw ticketing phase, the FIFA World Cup is already breaking records as over 150 million ticket requests have been submitted to date by fans from over 200 countries.The outcome of the current phase that opened on Thursday, 11 December 2025 means the FIFA World Cup 2026 is oversubscribed over 30 times based on verified individual credit card numbers submitted with each ticket application. The demand also represents 3.4 times more than the overall number of spectators who have attended the 964 matches that make up all 22 editions of the competition combined since 1930.“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the greatest and most inclusive show on the planet, with more than 150 million tickets already requested in only the first 15 days, making this edition 30 times oversubscribed - a true showcase of incredible demand from fans from over 200 countries,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“This overwhelming response from passionate fans is a true representation of how our game is loved globally - we are going to make history in North America when we bring the world together like never before in a celebration of unity and the best of football.”World football’s showcase event will take place from Thursday, 11 June 2026 until Sunday, 19 July 2026 across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States and features 48 teams competing in 104 total matches.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 26 Oct, 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): FIFA and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 47th ASEAN Summit being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The new MoU, signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and witnessed by ASEAN Chair and Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, follows the initial agreement from November 2019, which led to the implementation of various initiatives such as FIFA Football for Schools, joint health campaign messaging and workshops on key educational and development topics across the Southeast Asian region. “The new agreement between FIFA and ASEAN will ensure that both organisations can help make a difference by using football as a vehicle that brings hope and joy to millions of children and young people across Southeast Asia,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “This partnership will help to drive positive football development, social progress and the promotion of healthy lifestyles all across the region.” The new five-year MoU agreement aims to deepen collaboration by leveraging football as a powerful tool for unity, health, and community building, and will focus on five key areas, namely to promote sports integrity, to leverage sports for social and economic development, to ensure football development on and off the pitch, to promote inclusion, and to support climate change resilience. Following the signature of the MoU, the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup was confirmed, a regional tournament that will bring together all FIFA Member Associations from the Southeast Asia region, in a format that follows in the footsteps of the successful FIFA Arab Cup. “We are delighted to continue to show our support to the ASEAN community with the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup,” the FIFA President said. “This will be a great addition to the regional football calendar, it will be impactful not only in the region, but it will allow the best players in the ASEAN region to shine on the global stage. Through the FIFA ASEAN Cup, we are uniting countries together, and this competition will be a huge success as it will help boost national team football in the ASEAN region and will support the development of our sport across all of Southeast Asia.”FIFA will engage all football stakeholders, including the Asian Football Confederation, the ASEAN Football Federation and the FIFA Member Associations of the ASEAN member states, with the precise format of the tournament to be finalised in due course.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 20 Oct, 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): With 28 teams having already secured a spot at the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the whole world gearing up for what promises to be a watershed edition of FIFA’s flagship tournament, fans from 212 countries and territories of residence have already purchased over one million tickets following the closure of the Visa Presale Draw sales phase, which was launched in mid-September.Residents of the three host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico, in that order – have been at the front of the queue, snapping up more tickets than anyone else. England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and France – in order of demand – round out the top ten countries in terms of ticket sales.“What an exciting step on our journey toward 2026! As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“Today, we celebrate the sale of more than 1 million FIFA World Cup tickets following the Visa Presale Draw. It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere. Already, tickets have been purchased by fans in over 200 countries and territories, led by our enthusiastic hosts in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.”Fans, including those who were unsuccessful in the presale phase, can look forward to the next ticket sales window, which will begin later this month. Specifically, on Monday, 27 October, the entry period will open for the Early Ticket Draw, in which single-match tickets to all 104 games, along with venue- and team-specific tickets, will be released.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 17 Oct, 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Spain (1st) have strengthened their grip on top spot thanks to back-to-back victories, shoring up the position they ended Argentina’s reign that stretched back to April 2023.World champions Argentina (2nd, up 1), are hot on their heels, however.Germany (10th, up 2) have reclaimed their place in the top 10 after a brief absence. Their resurgence comes at the expense of Croatia (11th, down 2), who dropped two points in a qualifier for next year's global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Elsewhere near the top of the ranking, the Netherlands (6th, up 1) edged ahead of Brazil (7th, down 1), capitalising on the Seleção’s stumble in a friendly against Japan.Amongst the rest of the top 50, Hungary (37th, up 4), Scotland (38th, up 5), Nigeria (41st, up 4) and Romania (47th, up 4) have all reaped the rewards of recent purple patches.Yet the biggest gains come further down the standings. Niger (108th), Lesotho (144th) and the Faroe Islands (127th) have all climbed nine places. The latter’s impressive run, including a shock victory over Czechia (44th, down 5), has earned them a significant points haul.Also making headway in this latest update are Kosovo (84th, up 7), who have reached a historic high, as well as Syria (86th) and Liberia (138th), who have both climbed six places. At the other end, Greece (48th) and Sweden (40th) have both fallen eight places after losing their most recent qualifying matches.Leaders Spain (unchanged)Moves into top 10 Germany (10th, up 2)Moves out of top 10 Croatia (11th, down 2)Matches played in total 173Most matches played 168 teams (3 matches each)Biggest move by points Faroe Islands (up 37.95 points)Biggest move by ranks Faroe Islands, Lesotho and Niger (up 9 ranks each)Biggest drop by points Sweden (down 27.63 points)Biggest drop by ranks Greece and Sweden (down 8 ranks each)Newly ranked teams NoneTeams that are no longer ranked NoneInactive teams, not ranked Eritrea
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