The Pakistan women’s national football team has departed from Lahore for Ivory Coast to participate in the FIFA Series 2026, but the journey has been far from smooth.
Due to global air travel issues, the squad was forced to travel the Pakistan–Turkey sector on three different flights, splitting the team during the early leg of their trip.
The disruption comes amid ongoing global aviation challenges linked to the US–Israel strikes on Iran, which have led to airspace closures and flight cancellations across parts of the Middle East.
Overall, the team faces a 27-hour journey with two layovers, first in Turkey and then in Benin, before reaching Ivory Coast.
Despite the difficult travel conditions, the tour marks a historic milestone, as Pakistan will make its first-ever appearance by a senior women’s side in a FIFA-organized event.
The tournament, scheduled from April 9 to April 16, will see Pakistan competing against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Pakistan will open their campaign against the Turks & Caicos Islands on April 9, face Mauritania on April 12, and conclude their group matches against the hosts on April 16.
Head coach Adeel Rizki will lead the squad throughout the campaign.
This historic participation reflects the steady progress of women’s football in Pakistan and signals the beginning of a new era for the national side. The FIFA Series provides a valuable platform for Pakistani players to gain international exposure and compete at a higher level.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani expressed confidence in the team’s future, highlighting that his leadership aims to bring positive growth and long-term development to football in the country.
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