![‘The gap is still huge’: Abdullah on Pakistan’s World Cup dream [Dawn]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pakistan-celebrate-Diamond-Jubilee-International-Tournament-win-1160x535.jpg "‘The gap is still huge’: Abdullah on Pakistan’s World Cup dream [Dawn]")
Abdullah Iqbal watches the FIFA World Cup from Sweden with a sense of both hope and realism. He sees Iraq and Jordan competing on the biggest stage. He wants what they have. He wants it for Pakistan.But he is also honest about the distance still to travel.“The gap is still huge,” the national football team captain says.
Category: International Competitions
![Wani lauds Gilani-led PFF’s progress, announces preparations for SAF Games [The Nation]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IPC-Secretary-Mohyuddin-Wani-1160x535.jpg "Wani lauds Gilani-led PFF’s progress, announces preparations for SAF Games [The Nation]")
July10July 11, 2026
Wani lauds Gilani-led PFF’s progress, announces preparations for SAF Games [The Nation]
IPC Secretary Mohyuddin Wani credited PFF president Mohsen Gilani for restoring stability to Pakistani football. He also announced Pakistan's preparing to host the South Asian Games next year.
![INTERVIEW: Pakistan’s teenage hero Umar on the goal, the trophy and the dream [Dawn]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Umar-Nawaz-scores-Pakistan-vs-Afghanistan-Diamond-Jubilee-Tournament-2026-1160x535.jpeg "INTERVIEW: Pakistan’s teenage hero Umar on the goal, the trophy and the dream [Dawn]")
July5July 5, 2026
INTERVIEW: Pakistan’s teenage hero Umar on the goal, the trophy and the dream [Dawn]
The boy from Peshawar who ran into history: Pakistan's newest goalscorer Umar Nawaz on survival, sacrifice and a 74-year dream.
![For new PFF technical director Adeel, success is not defined by history [Dawn]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Adeel-Rizki-and-Suha-Hirani-FIFA-Series-2026-1080x535.jpeg "For new PFF technical director Adeel, success is not defined by history [Dawn]")
July4July 4, 2026
For new PFF technical director Adeel, success is not defined by history [Dawn]
Adeel Rizki is Pakistan’s first technical director since 2021, but more importantly the first appointed by an elected PFF leadership which took charge a little more than a year earlier following 10 years of infighting that pushed the sport in the country in quagmire.
![Lyari’s passion [Dawn]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-FIFA-World-Cup-screenings-in-Lyari-1160x535.jpg "Lyari’s passion [Dawn]")
June22June 22, 2026
Lyari’s passion [Dawn]
THE love for football in Lyari knows no bounds. The World Cup might be underway thousands of miles away in...
![Pakistan targets 400,000 trained workers for FIFA World Cup 2034 [APP]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2034-FIFA-World-Cup-Saudi-Arabia-1160x535.png "Pakistan targets 400,000 trained workers for FIFA World Cup 2034 [APP]")
June21June 21, 2026
Pakistan targets 400,000 trained workers for FIFA World Cup 2034 [APP]
Pakistan is targeting the training and deployment of 300,000 to 400,000 workers for projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034 as part of a broader strategy to expand overseas employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s position in international labour markets.
![Zidane Iqbal: The footballer who gave Pakistan its first World Cup moment [Al Jazeera]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zidane-Iqbal-Iraq-vs-Norway-2026-FIFA-World-Cup.jpg "Zidane Iqbal: The footballer who gave Pakistan its first World Cup moment [Al Jazeera]")
June17June 18, 2026
Zidane Iqbal: The footballer who gave Pakistan its first World Cup moment [Al Jazeera]
The Manchester-born Iraq national team midfielder is the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature at a World Cup.
![Pakistan secure historic entry into inaugural Fifa ASEAN Cup [Geo News]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pakistan-Diamond-Jubilee-International-Tournament-2026-1160x535.jpg "Pakistan secure historic entry into inaugural Fifa ASEAN Cup [Geo News]")
June13June 13, 2026
Pakistan secure historic entry into inaugural Fifa ASEAN Cup [Geo News]
FIFA ASEAN Cup in Sept-Oct window could see Pakistan (198) face Indonesia (118), Thailand (94), Malaysia (136), Philippines (135), Singapore (148) and India (138).
June11June 11, 2026
Pakistan wins Diamond Jubilee International Cup
Shayek Dost’s spectacular strike, Harun Hamid’s late goal gives Pakistan 2-0 victory over Afghanistan in final. Pakistan win a tournament final for the first time in their history. Title triumph is Pakistan’s first at a standalone football tournament in 74 years
June9June 9, 2026
Pakistan football’s long road back [Nukta]
From FIFA suspensions and years of inactivity to a historic final appearance, Pakistan football is finally finding its footing again, writes Assaam Sany.