Changes Made to Pakistan’s Asian Cup Qualifier Fixture Against Myanmar

In a notable reshuffle to Pakistan’s AFC Asian Cup qualification schedule, the team’s upcoming fixture against Myanmar has been moved out of Islamabad.

Originally set for Jinnah Stadium on June 10, 2025, the match has been reassigned to Myanmar’s home ground. The fixture will likely take place at Thuwunna Stadium, which hosted Myanmar’s game against Afghanistan in the last round of fixtures. As a result, the return leg, scheduled for March 31, 2026, will now be hosted at Jinnah Stadium instead, flipping the original home-and-away order between the two sides.

While the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has yet to publicly disclose the exact reason for the venue adjustment, it is widely understood that the recent conflict between Pakistan and India has played a part in the rescheduling. The PFF will also be electing a new body in ten days’ time, which requires significant resources of its own, meaning it is possible that proper attention could not be afforded to Pakistan and Myanmar’s Asian Cup qualifier game.

For Pakistan, the June 10 fixture marks a crucial moment in their qualifying campaign. With a growing domestic fanbase and increased attention on the national team’s recent improvements, the change in venue could also offer a different kind of home advantage—potentially in front of a new regional crowd hungry for top-tier international football.

The fixture switch also adds an extra layer of significance to the March 2026 clash in Islamabad, which now becomes the closing chapter of the group stage—and possibly a decisive one if qualification remains within reach.

Pakistan currently sits last in the Group E standings, behind Afghanistan in third, with Syria leading the charge and Myanmar in second.

Further details about the June venue are expected from the PFF in the coming days.