Pakistan’s Under-16 men’s national football team will feature in the UEFA U16 Development Tournament for the first time in history.
The tournament will take place from April 24 to April 30, 2026, and will be hosted by Kazakhstan, with Russia and Azerbaijan also competing.
The historic participation was announced by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani, who described it as an important milestone for Pakistan football.
He said the team’s inclusion reflects the federation’s increasing focus on youth development and long-term growth.
According to Gilani, exposure to international competition will allow young players to learn global football standards and gain valuable experience at a high level.
The inclusion of Pakistan’s U16 team in a UEFA competition is seen as a major step for youth development and a clear sign of Pakistan football’s growing credibility on the international stage.
The breakthrough highlights the federation’s commitment to grassroots development, international collaboration, and reflects the collective efforts of PFF leadership, management, and stakeholders to place Pakistan back on the global football map.
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