Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (Sports News): A record 1,248 players representing 48 nations have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to FIFAFrom global icons to debutants, the squads reflect unprecedented diversity and worldwide representationLionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa set for historic sixth FIFA World Cup™ campaignsThe final squad lists for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ have been published by FIFA, representing one of the tournament’s most exciting milestones with just nine days to go until kick-off. With 48 teams and 1,248 players made available to take to the pitch across 104 matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this edition represents a watershed moment for the global game, opening the door to more nations, players and their fans than ever before.The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and enduring appeal of the tournament with 357 players returning after at least one previous FIFA World Cup™ squad inclusion. Some 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, highlighting both continuity and renewal across the global game.The generational breadth is equally striking, with over 25 years separating the oldest player (Scotland’s Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days old) from the youngest (Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days old). A total of 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 40 or above at the start of the tournament could feature, whilst 22 FIFA World Cup winners are returning to the global stage.Combined with the return of established stars to football’s premier competition, this tournament also brings a new wave of players and nations into the spotlight. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are set to experience the FIFA World Cup for the first time, highlighting how the expanded format is making the competition more representative of the global game.One of the standout stories is Uzbekistan’s historic first appearance on the world stage, with rising stars such as Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov making dreams come true back home. Other highlights of the next generation of players include France’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, New Zealand’s Finn Surman and Morocco’s Bilal El Khannouss, among many others. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s goalkeeping icon Guillermo Ochoa are set for record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup campaigns.The confirmed lists reflect the global nature of modern football, with 449 different clubs from 71 countries represented (14 from the AFC region, six from CAF, seven from Concacaf, eight from CONMEBOL, one from the OFC, and 35 from UEFA). The squad lists also highlight contrasting national profiles, ranging from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, whose teams are built almost entirely from domestically based players (25 out of 26 in both cases) to others, such as Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, Senegal and Uruguay, that draw their entire squads from overseas leagues.When it comes to those masterminding the squad lists, Ghana’s Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz is coaching at his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, having previously led Portugal in 2010 and IR Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He is only the second coach to appear at five straight tournaments, after Bora Milutinović (1986–2002).The confirmed squad lists embody what makes the tournament truly unique — a celebration of excellence, diversity and global unity through football.

Islamabad (Sports News): Pakistan men’s national football team began their Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament campaign in Maldives with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Bangladesh on Sunday.In a closely contested encounter at the National Football Stadium in Malé, both sides created opportunities but were ultimately unable to find a breakthrough, settling for a point apiece.Pakistan handed international debuts to Adil Nabi and Ali Akbar Khan, while defender Easah Suliman returned to the starting lineup after a two-year absence due to injury. However, the visitors suffered an early setback when midfielder Rahis Nabi was forced off injured after just 15 minutes, with Hayyaan Khattak coming on as his replacement.Bangladesh, fielding their Olympic squad as part of preparations to provide their young players with senior international experience, adopted a counter-attacking approach throughout the contest. Their best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 26th minute, but Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.The match remained goalless at the interval, with Pakistan looking the more likely side to increase the tempo after the break.The introduction of Ali Haider Shah, Mohibullah Afridi and Alamgir Ghazi in the second half injected fresh energy into the Pakistani attack. Ghazi nearly made an immediate impact in the 57th minute when his powerful long-range effort struck the post.Momentum swung further in Pakistan’s favour five minutes later when Bangladesh captain SM Monjurur Rahman was sent off for elbowing Yousuf Butt during a set-piece situation. Pakistan defender Syed Abdullah Shah was also cautioned following the incident.With a numerical advantage, Pakistan pushed forward in search of a winner. Ali Haider Shah came closest in the 66th minute, meeting an Ali Khan Niazi cross with a well-struck volley that was brilliantly saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Md Mehedi Hassan Srabon.Despite sustained pressure from the Shaheens, Bangladesh defended resolutely to preserve the deadlock. Srabon again proved decisive deep into stoppage time, denying substitute Harun Hamid in the 95th minute to ensure his side escaped with a share of the points.After an entertaining and fiercely contested encounter between the South Asian rivals, the final whistle confirmed a goalless draw.Pakistan will next face tournament hosts Maldives on June 4 at 4:00pm PKT before concluding their group-stage campaign against Afghanistan on June 7. The top two teams at the end of the group stage will advance to the tournament final on June 10.

Islamabad (faisal): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of women’s football as PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani declared that “every year will be the year of women’s football in Pakistan” during the first-ever PFF Women’s Football Symposium held in Islamabad.Bringing together stakeholders from the football and development sectors, the symposium served as a platform to exchange ideas on strengthening the women’s game in Pakistan while outlining a strategic roadmap for future growth under the leadership of the newly-elected PFF administration.Gilani highlighted the recent rise of Pakistan women’s football on the international stage, saying it was encouraging to hear Pakistan women’s football being “the talk of the town” during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver last month. He credited the Pakistan Sports Board for its support and stressed that the women’s game must go beyond the national team.“Women’s football cannot only be about the national team; it is also about the ecosystem — players, coaches, referees and fans. It’s not about glam and gloss, there has to be substance,” he said, while also emphasising that women should lead women’s football structures.Chief Guest Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto (Member of National Assembly) congratulated the federation on the women national team’s FIFA Series campaign, participation in the SAFF Futsal Championship and AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, noting that Pakistani women continue to break barriers when given opportunities.Secretary IPC and Pakistan Sports Board Director General Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani announced plans for a national schoolgirls football tournament and pledged institutional support in logistics, grounds and equipment.FIFA Head of Development Ariana Demirovic praised Pakistan’s growing presence in international women’s football and reiterated FIFA’s willingness to support long-term development initiatives.The symposium also featured contributions from representatives of Right To Play, UN Women, media, coaches and former players, with discussions centred on access, safe playing spaces, grassroots structures, trained female coaches and school football programmes.PFF Head of Women’s Football Mejzgaan Orakzai presented the federation’s strategic vision for women’s football development, while PFF COO Shahid Khokhar reiterated the federation’s unwavering commitment to building sustainable pathways for women in football.

ISLAMABAD: A prestigious launch event related to the upcoming FIFA World Cup was held at the U.S Embassy in Islamabad, bringing together prominent figures from sports, government, and various sectors of society.Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, President of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Mohsen Gilani, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Atif Rana were among the distinguished guests in attendance.Addressing the ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker said it was an honor that the first special FIFA World Cup-related event was being hosted in Pakistan. She expressed happiness over the positive progress being witnessed in the promotion and development of football in the country and noted that Pakistan is playing an important role in the FIFA World Cup.Natalie Baker highlighted that Pakistan is manufacturing world-class footballs for global use, while the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. She said the United States is fully prepared to welcome fans from around the world and celebrate the historic tournament in a grand manner.She added that sports, particularly football, serve as a powerful bridge to strengthen ties and understanding among nations and people across the globe.Speaking on the occasion, PFF President Mohsen Gilani said football is helping deepen relations between Pakistan and the United States. He described the FIFA World Cup as one of the greatest events in the world, adding that FIFA unites nations on a single platform through the spirit of the game.Mohsen Gilani further stated that Pakistan’s women’s football team recently participated in a FIFA event for the first time and secured a victory, calling it a historic milestone for the country. He also revealed that Pakistan Football appointed a woman as manager of the men’s national football team for the first time, terming it a significant step towards women empowerment in sports.He emphasized that sports play a vital role in bringing people from different countries closer together and said Pakistan is proudly contributing to the FIFA World Cup. Referring to his recent meeting with the President of the U.S. Soccer Federation, Gilani said the United States would prove to be an outstanding host for the mega event. He also mentioned that U.S. President Donald Trump has a special attention for football.

Islamabad (Sports Desk):Today, excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues to build with the release of Dai Dai, featuring Shakira and Burna Boy via Sony Music Latin.Dai Dai will be the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Song in support of FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise USD100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children around the world with access to quality education and football opportunities.Shakira is partnering with Global Citizen and FIFA to provide access to education for children in underserved communities with Shakira’s royalties from Dai Dai being donated to the Education Fund, and Sony Music will match the first USD250,000 raised with a donation.Shakira will also co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show on Sunday, 19 July. Marking a historic first for the FIFA World Cup™, the final will feature a halftime show, bringing together global artists for a singular moment at the intersection of sport, culture, and purpose, to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.Following the release of Lighter, Por Ella, Echo and Illuminate, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album will continue to unfold in the upcoming weeks, with additional singles set to be released as anticipation for the tournament continues to build.Featuring artists from across continents, genres and cultures, the growing soundtrack reflects the global spirit and diversity of the FIFA World Cup™, bringing fans together through the universal languages of music and football.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The 76th FIFA Congress was the second to be held in Canada after the meeting staged in Montreal in 1976 and got under way with a welcome speech from Concacaf President Victor Montagliani and an address from The Canadian Soccer Association President Peter Augruso.In his own opening remarks, FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted football’s unique power to build bridges in a divided world as all 48 Participating Member Associations get ready to shine at this year's FIFA World Cup and convey a powerful message of unity.“Of course, (IR) Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and, of course, (IR) Iran will play in the United States of America. And the reason for that is very simple, dear friends, it is because we have to unite, we have to bring people together,” said President Infantino.“It is my responsibility; it is our responsibility. Football unites the world. FIFA unites the world. You unite the world. We unite the world. And we have to remember, always, that we have to be positive. We have to be smiling; we have to be happy. There are enough problems around the world. There are enough people who try to divide all over the world. If nobody tries to unite, what will happen to our world? We have to do it.”Update on Global Stand Against RacismPresident Infantino, accompanied by members of the Players’ Voice Panel and FIFA Legends, took the stage to deliver a powerful message on the progress made in the implementation of the Global Stand Against Racism, which was unanimously approved at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, in May 2024.Since then, FIFA has taken numerous key steps to strengthen the fight against racism, including amending the FIFA Disciplinary Code. In addition, the No Racism Gesture is now in place at all FIFA tournaments, over 12,000 individuals and more than 570 teams have been protected via the FIFA Social Media Protection Service, educational resources have been rolled out as part of the ongoing No Racism campaign and the Players’ Voice Panel representing all six confederations has completed a series of high-profile assignments.“Two years on, while challenges remain, we can say this with confidence: we have made real and meaningful progress. We have turned commitment into concrete action across the global game. Our shared mission continues to guide and strengthen efforts worldwide,” stated President Infantino.Commenting on the importance of the Global Stand Against Racism, the panel’s honorary captain George Weah said via video message: “This movement must go further, deeper into communities worldwide and raise awareness of the negative impact of racial discrimination. Racism is a disease.”Unprecedented investment in footballThe FIFA Congress also approved the FIFA Annual Report 2025, including the cycle budget for 2027-2030, which foresees record-breaking revenue of USD 14 billion. This means that an unprecedented amount will be available for FIFA to reinvest in the game, with FIFA’s 211 Member Associations entitled to football development funding representing an eightfold increase as compared to the programmes that were in place prior to 2016, as FIFA Forward investments will reach a new high of USD 2.7 billion.“Let me just say that, obviously, (FIFA) Forward Programme has made a big impact. In the last ten years, we have invested USD 5 billion in football development,” said Infantino.“It is crucially important that we do invest and it is crucially important that we increase our investment programmes. And I can assure you, as well, that these (USD) 2.7 billion that we are investing in the next cycle for Forward are just the starting point, are just the minimum of what we do and (what) we want to do and will do definitely, as well, much, much more,” he added. “(This USD) 2.7 billion, this corresponds to eight times more than what was done in the past.”Statements by the Palestine Football Association and the Israel Football AssociationThe FIFA Congress heard statements by the Palestine Football Association (PFA) and the Israel Football Association (IFA) as President Infantino paid tribute to the innocent victims of violence in the region and insisted on the importance of using football to build bridges.The original submission made by the PFA at the 74th FIFA Congress was handled by the relevant FIFA instances.“You should never forget something: your two federations have the same rights. The right to organise football in your respective territories, the right to represent your countries on the international stage, and the right and duty to instil in your children a love of football and respect for one another,” Infantino said.Update on the 77th FIFA CongressThe FIFA President stated that he intends to stand for re-election next year, and it was confirmed that this electoral event, the 77th FIFA Congress, will take place on Thursday, 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco. Before that, a virtual Extraordinary FIFA Congress, intended as a stand-alone event to appoint the hosts of the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, will take place on Monday, 23 November 2026.

Lahore (PFF Report): Pakistan played with heart and intensity but fell to a 1-0 loss to Azerbaijan in their final game of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament at the BIIK Sports Complex in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on Thursday.Having dominated for the majority of the match, Pakistan conceded late on when Azerbaijan’s Nazim Aliyev scored from close range before holding on with 10 players after defender Hamza was sent off.The defeat meant Pakistan ended the tournament at the bottom of the standings, having earlier suffered defeats to hosts Kazakhstan and Russia. However, coach Mohammad Essa hailed the learning experience for his young charges.“We played really positive football today with good attacking and build up play,” said Essa. “This is a learning tournament for us with Pakistan participating in UEFA competition for the first time and I think the boys played with a lot of spirit and determination. “With more exposure I have no doubt that we will learn more and I thank PFF president Mohsen Gilani for arranging this opportunity for us.”Pakistan started with purpose against Azerbaijan, who had beaten Kazakhstan on penalties in their last match, with the midfield and forward line combining well and the consistent press giving their opponents little room.They grew into the game and striker Danish Masih’s introduction in the second half saw several chances being created.However, Azerbaijan struck on the counter in the 77th minute when Pakistan lost possession and the ball was played to Aliyev.Pakistan finished with 10 players when Hamza was shown a straight red in the 86th and despite pouring forward in the dying minutes, they couldn’t get an equaliser.

Lahore (PR): The Pakistan Football Federation delegation led by president Syed Mohsen Gilani held high-profile meetings after attending the 36th AFC Congress in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday.PFF president Gilani, vice-president Hafiz Zakaullah and Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar, who are in Canada for the 76th FIFA Congress on Thursday, met German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf, Canada Soccer president Peter Augroso, Chinese Football Federation (CFA) president Song Kai and Tajikistan Football Federation (TFF) vice-president Dzhalilov Iskandor.The DFB offered PFF full support on several avenues including coaches education and women’s football. Neuendorf extended an invitation to Pakistan players and coaches to visit Germany and learn from the high quality footballing ecosystem there. In the meeting with Canada Soccer president, PFF president thanked Canada for their hospitality during the FIFA Congress. With Canada possessing a solid football structure, their cooperation on grassroots football and coach education courses was discussed. Talks for an exhibition series were also held, with the PFF offering its support in activating the Pakistan community in Canada. The CFA chief hailed the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, terming the two countries as ‘Iron Brothers’. The CFA has offered Pakistan support in futsal training with the PFF inviting Kai for a visit to Pakistan. Both federations agreed to a detailed meeting after the World Cup.The TFF, meanwhile, has offered its support in training Pakistani referees, whilst also assisting in coaching of goalkeepers. Cooperation on women’s football development was also discussed. Tuesday’s meetings were part of a detailed programme of the PFF delegation in Canada, where it will also be meeting officials from several other federations to discuss avenues of football development.

Islamabad (Sports News): The historic decision empowers the FIFA Council, in consultation with the relevant confederation, to establish and approve the registration of a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances where a Member Association is unable to do so. The ultimate aim is to ensure that players are not excluded from international football due to situations beyond their control, in line with FIFA’s statutory principles of universality, inclusion and non-discrimination.“The FIFA Council today approved a momentous amendment to the FIFA Governance Regulations, which enables Afghan female players – including members of the FIFA-funded and FIFA-supported Afghan Women United squad – to represent their country in official international matches as part of FIFA competitions in agreement with the relevant local confederation, in this case the Asian Football Confederation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport. FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football and to represent who they are. By enabling Afghan women to compete for their country in official matches, we are turning principles into action. FIFA is proud to lead this historic initiative and to stand alongside these courageous players on and off the pitch.”This reform builds on the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, endorsed by the FIFA Council in May last year, and follows the creation of Afghan Women United as a FIFA-supported team providing structured playing opportunities for Afghan women footballers living outside the country. Now, for the first time, these Afghan female players will be able to represent their country in official matches with full sporting recognition.Members of the independent advisory group for the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football welcomed the move as a transformative moment.“This decision recognises Afghan women footballers not as victims of circumstance, but as elite players with the right to compete, be seen and be respected,” said Nadia Nadim, who was born in Afghanistan and went on to win over 100 caps for Denmark. “It shows what is possible when sport is guided by values and leadership.”Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal added: “For these players, representing Afghanistan is about identity, dignity and hope. Thanks are due to the leadership of FIFA, which listened to their biggest request and delivered a solution that no other sport has ever achieved. This moment also shows that when we stand united, we can achieve more.”Andrea Florence, the Executive Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, said: “This reform sets a global precedent. It demonstrates that governing bodies can adapt their rules to protect human rights when extraordinary circumstances demand it.”Although the amendment has immediate effect, FIFA will now lead the required administrative and preparatory steps, including team registration and the establishment of an operational and sporting structure. World football’s governing body will provide all necessary resources – human, technical and financial – to ensure a safe, professional and sustainable pathway to official competition.Support packages for Afghan Women United players will continue throughout the transition phase for up to two years, allowing the new structure to evolve while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, performance and well-being.The FIFA-funded and -supported team will hold their next training camp from 1 to 9 June in New Zealand, where they will also have the opportunity to face off against the Cook Islands.

Islamabad (Sports News): Pakistan showed immense grit and determination before they eventually fell to a narrow 2-1 loss to Russia in their clash of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on Monday.Mohammad Essa’s men fell behind early but levelled the scores in the second half through Shahraz Khan after good work by Danish Masih, only to be reduced to 10 men after which Russia capitalised.“It was a much-improved performance after [the 4-1 loss against] Kazakhstan,” said head coach Essa. “We fought for every ball, we went for every tackle. It is a result that gives us a lot of heart heading into our last game of the tournament against Azerbaijan.”Essa had vowed that Pakistan will give Russia a tough time and his charges did not disappoint even after their opponents took a seventh-minute lead through Aleksandr Braginets’ low drive from the right.The Pakistan defence held firm after that with goalkeeper Naveedullah proving to be a commanding presence in the box to keep the Russians at bay.At the other end, Muhammad Hanzala had Pakistan’s best chance close to the end of the first half when he superbly skipped past a player, only to see his effort parried away by Russia goalkeeper Arseniy Rihelgof.Pakistan came back with renewed purpose in the second half and equalised in the 50th minute when Danish won a superb header which Rihelgof could only pull back into the path of an onrushing Shahraz.With the goal giving them much-needed momentum, Pakistan poured forward only for midfielder Essa being shown a second yellow card in the 72nd, a minute after which eventually Russia bagged the clincher through Maksim Ivanov.The scoreline at the end might not have been in Pakistan’s favour but for the players, who almost went toe-to-toe with much-fancied Russia, it was a massive learning opportunity.“We are thankful that the Pakistan Football Federation under president Syed Mohsen Gilani has given us this opportunity to play in a UEFA tournament and ultimately against Russia,” said Danish. “This will significantly help us grow further.”Goalscorer Shahraz had similar views. “We are very grateful for this opportunity, and at such a high level. We wanted to put up a solid performance against Russia and we were almost there today.”