Pakistan U-23 Football Team Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers are scheduled to commence tomorrow across various locations, with Pakistan’s U-23 football squad participating in Group G matches held in Cambodia.

Pakistan is set to inaugurate its campaign tomorrow with a challenging match against Iraq. Following this, they will face Cambodia, the host nation, on September 6, and conclude the group stage with a game against Oman on September 9.

Head Coach Nolberto Solano conveyed his assurance regarding the team’s preparations, while also recognizing the difficulties that lie ahead.

Solano stated, “We are here to compete effectively, and our rivals consist of high-caliber players.”

He further added, “We anticipate that the competition will present significant challenges, but we are collectively determined to exert our utmost effort to accomplish our objectives. Furthermore, we will strive to acquire knowledge and enhance our performance in each match.”

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) had previously revealed the 23-member team on August 29 via their social media platforms, accompanied by the caption: “The wait has ended! Here’s the squad traveling for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.”

The team, under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach Solano, blends both young talent and seasoned players.

Solano, a former Peruvian international, assumed his role last month, succeeding English coach Stephen Constantine, subsequent to a vote conducted by the PFF Executive Committee, where seven out of the thirteen members endorsed his appointment.

Constantine, who resigned from his position, had previously led Pakistan to a significant victory in a FIFA World Cup qualifier back in October 2023.

The Green Shirts are scheduled to compete against Cambodia on September 6, before concluding their group stage journey against Oman on September 9.

Pakistan Squad for U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers:
  • Goalkeepers: Adam Najeeb, Hassan Ali, Umair Arooj
  • Defenders: Haseeb Khan, Mohib Ullah, Muhammad Adeel, Ans Amin, Muhammad Haroon, Hamza Munir, Ahmed Salman, Junaid Shah, Abdul Rehman
  • Midfielders: Tufail Khan, Hayyaan Khattak, Muhammad Junaid, Ali Zafar, Adnan Justin
  • Forwards: Mckeal Abdullah, Umair Bahader, Furqan Umer, Ali Raza, Suleman Ali, Adeel Younas