FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier: Islamabad ‘s Jinnah stadium to host Pakistan, Cambodia match [Geo Super]

Something to cheer for football fans in Pakistan as the nation prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match after a 12-year hiatus.

Pakistan is set to face off against Cambodia in a highly anticipated clash that will take place at the iconic Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on October 17.

This historic home league fixture between Pakistan and Cambodia is scheduled to kick off at 2 pm local time.

AFTER 8 YEARS, FOOTBALL IS FINALLY BACK HOME! ????????????

Join us as Pakistan faces Cambodia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers on October 17th at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad.

Lets rekindle the spirit of the beautiful game and support our boys till the final whistle! pic.twitter.com/4gTSGk1Xqs

— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) October 5, 2023

Notably, AFC Match Commissioner Kemel Tokabaev visited the Jinnah Stadium on September 20 to oversee the preparations and ensure that all arrangements were in place for this important qualifier match.

The return of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers to Pakistan marks a significant moment for the country’s footballing landscape. The last time Pakistan hosted a World Cup qualifier was in 2011 when they faced Bangladesh.

Since then, the football-loving nation has eagerly awaited the opportunity to once again witness international football on home soil. In 2015, Pakistan hosted Afghanistan in their last international friendly match.

It must be noted that the first leg between the two teams will be held in Cambodia on October 12.

Earlier, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced a 25-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

The squad was chosen by the newly-appointed coach Stephen Constantine, who will lead the Men in Green in the World Cup Qualifiers.

This will be Constantine’s first assignment as the head coach and he has made some interesting calls as the former captain Hassan Bashir isn’t a part of the squad along with Saqib Hanif and Adnan Yaqoob.

On the other hand, important players like Otis Kha, Easah Suliman, Rao Umar Hayat are called up.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Usman Ali, Salman ul Haq and Yousaf Butt.

Defenders: Mamoon Moosa Khan, Mohibullah, Sohail Khan, Juniad Shah, Ali Khan Niazi, Rao Umar Hayat, Abdullah Iqbal and Easah Suliman.

Midfielders: Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Uzair, Rajab Ali, Nizamuddin, Harun Hamid and Rahis Nabi.

Forwards: Waleed Khan, Mohammad Waheed, Yousuf, Fareed Khan, Abdul Samad, Otis Khan, Moin Ahmed and Shayak Dost.