Here is Pakistan’s Schedule for U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Pakistan’s under-23 national team will begin their journey in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a high-stakes clash against Iraq on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Group G, as their schedule has been confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation.

Drawn into a challenging group that also includes hosts Cambodia and Gulf side Oman, Pakistan will play all three of their group games in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

The qualifiers are being staged between September 1 and 9, 2025, with 44 teams across Asia battling for one of 15 remaining spots in the final tournament, where host nation Saudi Arabia already holds automatic qualification.

Pakistan’s U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Schedule:

Pakistan begins their campaign against Iraq, one of the strongest sides in the group and former champions at this level. That opener will be followed by a pivotal clash against hosts Cambodia, likely to be played in front of a vocal home crowd. The Green Shirts will conclude the group stage against Oman, a side with a rich history of youth development in West Asia.

Only the group winner is guaranteed a place in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals, while the four best second-placed teams across the 11 groups will also qualify, meaning Pakistan will need to put their best foot forward in each game.

For Pakistan, this campaign offers a vital opportunity to lay down a marker at the youth level. After years of sporadic participation in international youth competitions, the newly elected Pakistan Football Federation should show renewed commitment to long-term player development.

The upcoming qualifiers will also serve as a platform for young talent to push for senior national team selection ahead of a busy 2026 calendar.