Pakistan’s entry to the FIFA ASEAN Cup has been confirmed after the Pakistan Football Federation accepted an invitation from FIFA to the inaugural 2026 tournament.
The competition will run from September 21 to October 6, 2026, in the FIFA international window, according to regional tournament references.
Pakistan are expected to compete in Division 1 alongside India, hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
The tournament would give the Pakistan football team its first appearance in a FIFA competition outside World Cup qualifying and continental events.
Pakistan’s invitation followed engagement between FIFA and the Pakistan Football Federation’s President, Mohsen Gilani.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the concept for the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. FIFA later approved the first edition for September-October 2026, according to Vietnam News.
In May that the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup would be a two-division event featuring 14 teams, played during the September 21-October 6 international window.
