The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially unveiled its final 16-man squad for the upcoming AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, marking a historic and ambitious step for the nation’s futsal program.
This will be Pakistan’s first-ever appearance in a major international futsal competition, a testament to the PFF’s renewed focus on the fast-paced indoor sport.
Pakistan has been placed in Group D of the Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, which will be hosted in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. They face a challenging group that includes Iraq, Chinese Taipei, and the host nation itself.
The squad announcement follows a series of open trials and a rigorous training camp led by Head Coach Sakhawat Ali at the Liaquat Gymnasium in Islamabad. The roster has been carefully balanced across all key positions.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Muhammad Zaid, Muhammad Tahir |
| Anchor (Defenders) | Muhammad Humza Khan, Hamza Nusrat, Zohaib Altaf, Asif Ahmad |
| Right Wing | Hassaan Zafar, Abdul Hannan, Yousaf Ahmad, Shams Taj |
| Left Wing | Moez Sajjad, Muhammad Bin Masud, Ariz Mahmood |
| Pivot (Strikers) | Muhammad Adan, Muhammad Ali Riaz Khan, Zaid Ullah Khan |
Pakistan’s campaign will kick off on September 20 against Iraq, followed by a match against Saudi Arabia on September 22, and will conclude the group stage against Chinese Taipei on September 24.
All eight group winners plus the seven second-best ranked teams will then earn qualification for the main tournament which takes place in Indonesia next year.
Pakistan’s inaugural journey in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers is more than just a competition; it’s a statement of intent.
The PFF’s initiative to professionalize futsal and invest in local talent development will be on full display as the national team steps onto the continental stage for the first time. While the road ahead will be a critical test, it represents a major opportunity for the Green Shirts to gain invaluable experience and leave a lasting impression in Asian futsal.