Pakistan’s journey to the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia has officially begun after the qualifier draw was held at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Placed in Group G, Pakistan will face strong opposition from Iraq, Oman, and hosts Cambodia. With 44 teams split across 11 groups, each group will play its matches from 1 to 9 September 2025, hosted by one of the participating nations.
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To reach the final tournament in January 2026, Pakistan must either top their group or finish among the four best runners-up. They will be aiming for a breakthrough at the youth level, where consistent progress has remained elusive.
The qualifiers offer a valuable platform for Pakistan’s young footballers to gain international exposure. The coaching team is expected to announce a series of training camps and trials to build a competitive squad ahead of the matches.
With a new leadership at the helm of Pakistan football, this qualifying campaign is seen as a chance to reset long-term plans and invest in youth development. Supporters will be hopeful of a spirited performance and a possible first-ever qualification to the continental U23 event.
