Pakistan will face Syria on March 25 in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, with the highly anticipated fixture now confirmed to take place at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. This will mark Pakistan’s first appearance on the international stage after being reinstated by FIFA, following a brief ban that sidelined the nation’s football activities. The match is set to kick off at 9 PM local time, signaling a fresh start for Pakistan football after overcoming a turbulent period.
The road to recovery has been long and challenging for Pakistan football, which was banned by FIFA due to administrative issues. This ban threatened the national team’s participation in the qualifiers for upcoming regional and international competitions, including the prestigious AFC Asian Cup. However, with recent structural changes and approvals from the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the team has been cleared to play and will now focus on securing qualification for future tournaments.
Pakistan’s squad is preparing for the match under the guidance of former head coach Stephen Constantine, who previously led the team to several key victories. Constantine’s return to the fold is a significant boost, particularly as the team continues to search for a permanent head coach. His wealth of experience and tactical knowledge is expected to play a pivotal role as Pakistan faces Syria—a team with a strong footballing history in Asia.
Having failed in 13 attempts to reach the Asian Cup final stage, Pakistan is hoping that this fresh start against Syria could mark the beginning of a new era. A strong performance against the opposition could set the tone for a potential miracle run in the qualifiers, although the team faces an uphill battle.
As the national team takes to the field once again, expectations may be modest, but the return of Pakistan to the international football scene is a significant moment for the sport in the country. Fans are hopeful that the team’s journey can inspire a new generation of footballers and restore pride in the nation’s footballing ambitions.
Pakistan Asian Cup Qualifiers Round Three Schedule
| Date | Round | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 3rd Round – Group E | Syria | Pakistan | Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium (Al Ahsa) | 23:00 |
| Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 3rd Round – Group E | Pakistan | Myanmar | TBC | TBC |
| Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3rd Round – Group E | Pakistan | Afghanistan | TBC | TBC |
| Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 3rd Round – Group E | Afghanistan | Pakistan | TBC | TBC |
| Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 3rd Round – Group E | Pakistan | Syria | TBC | TBC |
| Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 3rd Round – Group E | Myanmar | Pakistan | TBC | TBC |
