According to sources, FIFA extended an invitation to Pakistan to participate in the newly launched competition, and the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has accepted the offer.
The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup is scheduled to be held in Indonesia from September 21 to October 6. The tournament aims to provide greater international competition opportunities and strengthen football development across the region.
Pakistan will compete in Division 1 alongside India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament.
The event represents a historic breakthrough for Pakistan football, as it will be the national team s first appearance in a FIFA tournament outside the traditional qualification pathways for the FIFA World Cup and continental competitions.
Football officials believe the tournament will provide Pakistan with a valuable opportunity to compete against established regional sides, gain international exposure and accelerate the growth of the sport within the country.
Sources further revealed that Pakistan s inclusion was facilitated through growing engagement between FIFA and PFF President Mohsen Gilani, which played a key role in securing the invitation.
Pakistan s participation is being viewed as an important step forward for the national football programme as it seeks to rebuild momentum and strengthen its presence on the international stage.
