The Pakistan men’s national football team will end their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign next week behind closed doors. Pakistan is to take on Myanmar at home on 31 March 2026 at Jinnah Stadium Islamabad in Group E, with the game now to be played without any spectators.
This comes after the Government of Pakistan announced nationwide austerity and security measures to restrict public gatherings and fuel consumption. In a statement issued by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the decision to go ahead with the Pakistan-Myanmar game without fans was announced.
In line with the Pakistan government’s policy of suspending gatherings of over 200 people due to the ongoing global and regional situation which has led to the implementation of austerity and fuel conservation measures, the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Myanmar on March 31 in Islamabad will be played behind closed doors.
All ticket holders will receive refunds automatically through the original payment method used at the time of booking.
While the Pakistan Football Federation appreciates the wide interest of the fans in attending the match, which will bring the curtain down on the qualifying campaign, we look forward to welcoming them back in the future.
Pakistan is expected to now play a fully domestic squad under head coach Nolberto Solano for this dead rubber fixture, having already been knocked out of contention with Group E winners Syria qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Earlier, Myanmar had beaten Afghanistan 2-1 in a re-arranged fixture that took place in Yangon after Afghanistan couldn’t secure an alternate ‘home’ venue in time. Afghanistan will themselves play Syria on 31 March to finish the qualification group.
After 5 games each, Group E has Syria with 15 points, Myanmar second on 9 points, with Pakistan and Afghanistan with 2 points each. Both of Afghanistan and Pakistan got their two points after draws in their double header in October 2025 against each other.
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