PFF Press Release – 2 November 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan men’s national team head coach Nolberto Solano has expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the SAFF Championship 2026, setting qualification for the semi-finals as the team’s immediate objective while stressing the importance of collective effort, fitness and long-term player development.
Speaking at a press conference held at a local hotel in Islamabad on Monday evening, Solano acknowledged the challenges of the competition but said Pakistan were approaching the tournament with belief and determination.
“As usual, every competition is really tough, so we are looking forward to this challenge. We are trying to build a very strong side and I don’t think we are too far away. We won in Maldives, we understand the level of competition, and we also played in Indonesia. We know what we have to do,” he said.
Pakistan are drawn in a group alongside India and Maldives, with Solano making it clear that the immediate priority is to secure a place in the last four.
“We go step by step. We have a big game against India on Thursday, followed by Maldives. Our focus is on these two matches and qualifying for the semi-finals. We have to think of every game as a final. The first final is against India, and the second final is against Maldives.”
On the significance of the Pakistan-India fixture, Solano drew a parallel with the intense football rivalry between Peru and Chile.
“Peru-Chile is just like Pakistan-India. It has the same intensity. I understand what these games mean to the fans. We want to please the people because we know what it means to them. These games are special, and that itself is motivation.”
Solano also emphasised that success would depend on collective commitment rather than individual performances.
“We have to be together. It is not an individual game; it is a collective game. When we attack and when we defend, we have to do it together.”
Pakistan will initially be without their diaspora-based players as the opening phase of the competition falls outside the FIFA international match window. Solano, however, insisted that this would not be an excuse, backing the domestic talent available to him.
“At the beginning of this competition, we are not allowed to bring our diaspora players because it is not being organised during the FIFA window. But we are using local boys and looking at the talent that exists here. No excuses. We believe in our boys.”
He added that the national team’s talent pool remained open to players who demonstrate the right ability and attitude.
“The door is open to any player with talent and the right mentality. Slowly, slowly, we are building our talent pool.”
Reflecting on Pakistan’s defensive approach, Solano said the team would first seek to establish solidity, while acknowledging the need for concentration throughout the full 90 minutes.
“We try to be a solid team first. Our strategy is not to concede goals because our strongest players are all defenders. At the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia, we lost 4-0 against Thailand. That taught us that we need to focus for all 90 minutes because one moment of losing concentration can be very expensive.”
Solano also highlighted the importance of stronger domestic structures in improving the standard of Pakistani football, pointing to his own country’s development experience.
“We have to look forward. We have the talent, but these young boys need help. They need structure, with clubs. This is the same story that happened in my country, Peru. That is how the young players got better and better.”
He welcomed the prospect of Pakistan introducing a professional football league next year, describing it as an important step towards improving player preparation and physical standards.
“This generation of players needs to be fit enough and run enough. We have great news that Pakistan will have a professional league from next year. Never have our current players had a pre-season. Pre-seasons are the most important thing for a player; they set you up for the entire season. We will have that soon, inshallah.”
The head coach added that Pakistan’s formation would depend on the availability of players and the opposition they face, underlining the need for tactical flexibility throughout the competition.
Pakistan will begin their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign against arch-rivals India on Thursday, with Solano identifying the fixture as the team’s first major test as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals. The Green Shirts will subsequently face Maldives, with qualification for the last four firmly in their sights.
