The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has revealed the definitive national men’s squad for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Round 2 matches against Jordan. Diaspora players are poised to join the team from Monday in preparation for the crucial encounters.
Pakistan is scheduled to face off against Jordan at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on March 21, followed by an away fixture in Jordan on March 26. This marks a significant opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its footballing prowess on the international stage.
In a historic victory back in October 2023, the Pakistan men’s football team secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualifier win by defeating Cambodia 1-0 in Islamabad. However, they faced a setback with a 4-0 loss to Saudi Arabia in the subsequent round.
The PFF emphasized the significance of the upcoming matches against Jordan, noting the relocation of the week-long training camp from Lahore to Islamabad on Sunday in preparation for the fixtures.
A total of 36 teams, organized into nine groups of four teams each, are vying for progression to the third round of qualifiers. The top two teams from each group in the second round will advance to the third round, where 18 nations will compete in three groups of six. From there, the top two teams of each group will secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Jordan, Pakistan men’s football team coach Stephen Constantine expressed determination and resilience. He emphasized that despite limited preparation time, Pakistan would not back down against their esteemed opponents.
The squad comprises a blend of experienced players and promising talent across various positions:
Goalkeepers: Yousuf Butt, Saqib Hanif, Abdul Basit, and Hassan Ali
Defenders: Easah Suliman, Abdullah Iqbal, Mamoon Musa, Haseeb Khan, Mohammad Saddam, Mohammad Sohail, Omer Rao, Mohammad Fazal, and Mohammad Adeel
Midfielders: Rahis Nabi, Harun Hamid, Alamgir Ghazi, Rajab Ali, Ali Uzair, Shayek Dost, and Abdul Samad
Forwards: FareedUllah, Waleed Khan, Imran Kayani, and Adeel Younis
The announcement of the squad signifies Pakistan’s commitment to football development and its aspirations to excel on the global stage. With the support of fans and the dedication of the players, Pakistan aims to make a mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
