PFF Press Release – 31 May 2026
MALE, MALDIVES — Pakistan Head Coach Nolberto Solano and captain Abdullah Iqbal expressed confidence in the national team’s direction and used their pre-tournament press conference to highlight Pakistan’s growing football infrastructure, ahead of Pakistan’s opening match at the Maldives Diamond Jubilee International Tournament against Bangladesh.
Tournament as Preparation Ground
Solano described the Maldives Diamond Jubilee International Tournament as a valuable opportunity for squad cohesion ahead of the SAFF Championship. “We’re very pleased with the Pakistan Federation for accepting this tournament, and thank you to Maldives for inviting us to be part of this beautiful competition with good national teams — Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh,” he said.
Captain Abdullah Iqbal echoed that sentiment. “It’s great fixtures for us to prepare for the SAFF Championship, which is coming up. Very pleased to be here,” he said.
Solano also spoke about the team’s longer-term ambitions, noting that qualification campaigns for the Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup remain the primary targets. “This year there are a lot of friendly competitions, and we’re looking forward to next year when qualifying begins again,” he added.
Domestic Football and Federation Progress
When asked about Pakistan’s period of FIFA suspension and the absence of a domestic professional league, Solano acknowledged the challenges but pointed to positive momentum under PFF President Mohsin Gilani.
“After suffering through the suspension period, Pakistan is starting to come good, moving toward better regulations. The next step, fingers crossed and hopefully sooner rather than later, is to be professional. There are a lot of young talents, great players in Pakistan who deserve it,” the coach said.
Solano stressed the importance of domestic competition for developing local talent. “It’s good to have strong competition, especially local competition — give young boys the opportunity to dream, to say, ‘One day I want to play professional football.’ Pakistan needs to give its own talent the opportunity, because not many can go abroad to play,” he said.
Diaspora Players and Squad Building
Solano highlighted the complementary role of diaspora players in strengthening the national team while domestic structures continue to develop. “We have the opportunity to have all the important experienced players, especially the diaspora players playing Pakistan football abroad — in Denmark, Sweden, and Europe. That gives another level to the national team,” he said.
The coach also noted that his squad has benefited from continuity. “I’ve been with the national team for nearly a year. We know each other. I hope this kind of tournament helps us get closer together,” he said.
Respect for Bangladesh Ahead of Opener
Solano was measured about the opening match against Bangladesh, noting that the team is preparing despite reports that Bangladesh may be fielding a younger squad.
“Even the rumour that Bangladesh is sending a young generation of boys — it’s still the national team. Doesn’t matter. With all respect, we have to be professionals. We have to represent the country in the best way,” he said.
Abdullah reflected on Pakistan’s last meeting with Maldives in 2023, a 1-0 defeat, and was optimistic about the team’s progress. “In three years, a lot of things happen in football. It moves quickly. I think we’ve improved a lot in these last two, three years. We’re ready for tomorrow’s game,” he said.
Football’s Growing Footprint in Pakistan
Solano acknowledged that cricket remains the dominant sport in Pakistan, but said the national football team’s results are key to changing the landscape. “Football is slowly, slowly becoming very popular. The results we get with the senior team are very important to give people something to dream about,” he said.
“Everything changes slowly, but we will get there. It takes a little patience,” he added.
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