LAHORE – Pakistan’s nationwide soccer crew notched their first-ever victory within the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, registering a 1-Zero win towards Cambodia on the Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad on Tuesday.
The defining second got here when Harun Hamid unleashed a exact strike within the 67th minute, marking the only real purpose of the match, and propelling Pakistan into the second spherical of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers for the very first time. This momentous achievement follows a goalless draw within the first leg of the preliminary qualifiers, held in Cambodia.
Within the wake of this exceptional triumph, Pakistan’s soccer crew now finds itself positioned in Group G for the second spherical of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. They are going to compete towards robust rivals resembling Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Tajikistan, with the highest two groups from this group incomes a coveted spot within the third spherical.
The trail to the FIFA World Cup is fraught with challenges and exhilaration. Within the subsequent section, 18 nations advancing to the third spherical will likely be organized into three teams of six via a later draw. The highest two from every group will acquire the privilege of taking part within the FIFA World Cup, whereas the remaining six groups ending third and fourth within the third spherical will likely be divided into two teams of three. The victors of those teams will safe a direct ticket to the World Cup.
The journey culminates within the fifth spherical, the place Asia’s representative for the FIFA playoff competitors will likely be determined. This stage contains a two-legged, home-and-away conflict between the 2 runners-up from the fourth spherical.
Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar took to his X Account, formerly often called Twitter, to exhave a tendency his congratulations to the nationwide crew. He wrote: “Many congratulations to Pakistan national soccer crew for profitable their first ever World Cup 2026 qualifier right this moment by beating Cambodia 1-Zero and advancing to the second spherical. Soccer has been lengthy uncared for in Pakistan. However no extra. Very quickly Pakistan soccer federation could be strengthened and empowered to uplift this recreation of the lots.”
Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, Sports activities Minister of Balochistan, in his congratulatory remarks, mentioned: “The way in which the Pakistani Shaheens performed and secured the historic 1-Zero win towards Cambodia means that soccer has discovered a house right here. I need to congratulate the whole crew.”
Murtaza Solangi, Federal Interim Info Minister, additionally applauded the Inexperienced Shirts for his or her outstanding feat, saying, “I lengthen a heat welcome to international groups in Pakistan. Soccer will not be merely a recreation for just a few; it belongs to everybody. Sadly, soccer hasn’t received the eye it deserves in our nation. “The IPC Ministry orchestrated wonderful organizements for this match. I’m hopeful that the problems associated to football will likely be resolved quickly.”
PFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Haroon Malik additionally appreciated the nationwide crew and its coach Stephen Constantine for this historic win. “The way in which the Males in Inexperienced performed and secured this victory is basically commendable. We hope they may proceed to attempt for higher outcomes towards soccer energyhomes in upcoming matches.
“I’m additionally grateful to the government of Pakistan, notably the IPC Ministry and the Pakistan Sports activities Board, for his or her collaborative efforts with the PFF to make this historic match attainable at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad. We look ahead to internet hosting extra FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in a befitting method, presenting a real and optimistic picture of the nation to the whole world,” the NC Chief asserted.