Pakistan to Begin FIFA ASEAN Cup Campaign Against Thailand
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan: Pakistan will begin its campaign in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup against Thailand on September 26 after being placed in Group B of Division One, with the tournament scheduled to take place across Indonesia and Hong Kong later this month.
The competition will feature 11 ASEAN member nations along with three invited teams — Pakistan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong. Matches in the tournament are scheduled to begin on September 24.
Pakistan Drawn in Group B
Eight teams will compete in the top-tier Division One, including hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The teams have been divided into two groups of four. The group winners will advance to the final, which is scheduled for October 5.
Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
The national side will face Thailand in its opening match on September 26, followed by a fixture against the Philippines on September 29. Pakistan will complete the group stage against Vietnam on October 2.
Pakistan Enter Tournament With Confidence
Pakistan head into the competition with renewed confidence after securing the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament title in the Maldives earlier this year.
The triumph marked Pakistan’s first standalone international football title since 1952 and provided a significant boost to the national team’s preparations for upcoming international competitions.
Pakistan were included in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup after China withdrew from the tournament to concentrate on preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup and 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Division Two to Be Hosted by Hong Kong
The second division of the tournament will be staged in Hong Kong.
It will feature Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and the host nation. These six teams will be divided into two groups of three.
The winners of the two groups will meet in the Division Two final on October 3.
FIFA Highlights Purpose of Tournament
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the new competition has been introduced to give national teams more opportunities to play meaningful competitive matches.
According to Infantino, the FIFA ASEAN Cup is also intended to strengthen football connections and cooperation across Southeast Asia.
The inaugural tournament is expected to provide Pakistan with valuable international exposure as the national team continues its efforts to improve its standing in regional and international football.
