Pakistan's Emerging Football Talent — From Street Football to International Leagues

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan football is showing genuine signs of revival under the leadership of PFF President Mohsen Gilani, with renewed backing from FIFA and the AFC after years of administrative turmoil. The federation has outlined plans to launch a nationwide club championship structure from district to national level to revive football activity across the country.

"Years of disruption have taken a heavy toll, but the focus is now on rebuilding the system and ensuring sustainable growth," PFF officials acknowledged in May 2026.

Grassroots Development

The POPO Football Club in Islamabad has emerged as a remarkable success story. In just two years, this volunteer-run club has produced 36 international players across all age groups. Operating under the PFF's patronage, POPO has become a national talent pipeline, demonstrating that grassroots investment can deliver results even with limited resources.

The National Challenge Cup, which returned in February 2026, mandated that all participating teams include at least three U-20 players in their starting lineups — a strategic move to foster homegrown talent.

International Exposure

• U-16 Team's UEFA Debut — Pakistan's Under-16 football team made history in May 2026, appearing in a UEFA competition for the first time. "First step in Europe, a long road ahead," wrote Dawn
• Women's Team Debut — The Pakistan women's national team debuted in the FIFA Series in Ivory Coast in April 2026, the country's first senior women's appearance in a world governing body event
• FIFA World Series — Discussions between FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and PFF President Gilani have opened doors for the men's team to play opposition outside Asia

AFC Support

AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed confidence in the future of football in Pakistan during his November 2025 visit, stressing the need for government support and the resumption of a stable domestic league after a decade of crisis. The PFF has highlighted renewed international cooperation focusing on grassroots and youth development, women's football, coach education, and referee training.

Domestic League Plans

Discussions are ongoing about the structure of a new domestic league — whether it will follow the traditional departmental model or be franchise-based. Football grounds are also being developed with support from FIFA and the AFC. A proper league system would provide regular competitive football for players and a platform for commercial growth.