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FOOTBALL - FIFA News 20 Oct, 2025

Over one million FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets sold out
Islamabad (Sports Desk): With 28 teams having already secured a spot at the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the whole world gearing up for what promises to be a watershed edition of FIFA’s flagship tournament, fans from 212 countries and territories of residence have already purchased over one million tickets following the closure of the Visa Presale Draw sales phase, which was launched in mid-September.Residents of the three host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico, in that order – have been at the front of the queue, snapping up more tickets than anyone else. England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and France – in order of demand – round out the top ten countries in terms of ticket sales.“What an exciting step on our journey toward 2026! As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“Today, we celebrate the sale of more than 1 million FIFA World Cup tickets following the Visa Presale Draw. It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere. Already, tickets have been purchased by fans in over 200 countries and territories, led by our enthusiastic hosts in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.”Fans, including those who were unsuccessful in the presale phase, can look forward to the next ticket sales window, which will begin later this month. Specifically, on Monday, 27 October, the entry period will open for the Early Ticket Draw, in which single-match tickets to all 104 games, along with venue- and team-specific tickets, will be released.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 17 Oct, 2025

Argentina and Germany headline top 10 in FIFA Men’s World Ranking
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Spain (1st) have strengthened their grip on top spot thanks to back-to-back victories, shoring up the position they ended Argentina’s reign that stretched back to April 2023.World champions Argentina (2nd, up 1), are hot on their heels, however.Germany (10th, up 2) have reclaimed their place in the top 10 after a brief absence. Their resurgence comes at the expense of Croatia (11th, down 2), who dropped two points in a qualifier for next year's global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Elsewhere near the top of the ranking, the Netherlands (6th, up 1) edged ahead of Brazil (7th, down 1), capitalising on the Seleção’s stumble in a friendly against Japan.Amongst the rest of the top 50, Hungary (37th, up 4), Scotland (38th, up 5), Nigeria (41st, up 4) and Romania (47th, up 4) have all reaped the rewards of recent purple patches.Yet the biggest gains come further down the standings. Niger (108th), Lesotho (144th) and the Faroe Islands (127th) have all climbed nine places. The latter’s impressive run, including a shock victory over Czechia (44th, down 5), has earned them a significant points haul.Also making headway in this latest update are Kosovo (84th, up 7), who have reached a historic high, as well as Syria (86th) and Liberia (138th), who have both climbed six places. At the other end, Greece (48th) and Sweden (40th) have both fallen eight places after losing their most recent qualifying matches.Leaders Spain (unchanged)Moves into top 10 Germany (10th, up 2)Moves out of top 10 Croatia (11th, down 2)Matches played in total 173Most matches played 168 teams (3 matches each)Biggest move by points Faroe Islands (up 37.95 points)Biggest move by ranks Faroe Islands, Lesotho and Niger (up 9 ranks each)Biggest drop by points Sweden (down 27.63 points)Biggest drop by ranks Greece and Sweden (down 8 ranks each)Newly ranked teams NoneTeams that are no longer ranked NoneInactive teams, not ranked Eritrea

FOOTBALL - Int News 13 Oct, 2025

Pakistan ready for crucial away clash against Afghanistan, says Solano
Sports Bulletin ReportKuwait City (Kuwait): Pakistan National Football Team Head Coach Nolberto Solano has expressed confidence ahead of the team’s away fixture against Afghanistan in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to be played in Kuwait on October 14.Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Solano said the squad remains focused and eager to build on their previous performance.“We were a little disappointed that we didn’t take all three points in the home game, especially after how we played in the second half,” Solano said. “We’re a team that loves the ball but unfortunately couldn’t score. Still, this is part of the process, these young lads are playing together for the first time and I’m very pleased with their performance.”Responding to a question he said:“We go again tomorrow with the same attitude and desire to win, the focus is on getting three points. It’s football and anything can happen. We’ll also have another chance against Syria at home in November and then again in March, but tomorrow’s game is a key,” he added.Solano confirmed that there would be no major changes to the lineup, adding that all players are fit and ready for action.Captain Abdullah Iqbal echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s belief on their recent progress.“I believe we showed the potential within this squad, after the home game, we felt disappointed because we believed we could have taken all three points. Hopefully tomorrow, we can achieve that,” he added.When asked about his message to the fans, Abdullah said: “I promise we’ll go out there and give everything we have and hopefully, InShaAllah, bring back the three points,” he added.The Pakistan National Team will face Afghanistan at the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Ardiya, Kuwait, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM Pakistan Time.

FOOTBALL - Int News 11 Oct, 2025

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Pakistan team to depart for Kuwait on October 12
Islamabad (SBR): The Pakistan National Football Team will depart for Kuwait in the wee hours of October 12 on a direct flight from Islamabad for their upcoming away fixture against Afghanistan in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers.The match is scheduled to take place at the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Ardiya, Kuwait, with kickoff set for 10:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.In the home leg held earlier in Islamabad, Pakistan and Afghanistan played out a goalless draw, earning one point each in Group E of the qualifiers.Pakistan has been drawn in Group E, alongside Afghanistan, Myanmar and Syria.

FOOTBALL - Int News 10 Oct, 2025

Nolberto happy with the team’s performance against Afghanistan
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The head coach of the Pakistan national football team, Coach Nolberto Solano said that he was satisfied with the outcome of the game against Afghanistan in the contest of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier, which ended in a 0-0 draw here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex.While talking to journalists at the post-match press conference alongside midfielder Etzaz Hussain, Solano said, “First of all, I’m pleased with the team, with all the boys. With all the small issues we had, especially with some players arriving a little late, it’s not easy. But I was very pleased with their attitude today, especially when the players came on in the second half,” Solano said.“I believe we dominated the match for most parts of the game and were an excellent team. Like the players, I’m disappointed that we couldn’t take all three points, not just because of the missed penalty, but also because we had other chances. Honestly, these guys are doing their best, and I’m proud of them. It’s not easy for these guys to travel 15, 19, or even 20 hours to arrive in Pakistan a day before the match. They didn’t have much time to train together, but I had confidence in them, he maintained.Responding to a question, Solano said, “We’ll prepare in the same way. We need to check how the boys are physically and mentally after travelling from different parts of the world. I was very impressed with most of them, especially as it was my first time seeing some of them play. We’ll build on this performance for the next match on Tuesday.”In another question, he said: “I always say the national team is never closed to anyone. All good players are welcome. As you saw today, players who haven’t played much recently came in and made a real impact. That’s what we want, competition, commitment and pride in representing Pakistan.”Midfielder Etzaz Hussain, responding to a question, said: “I have waited a long time to represent Pakistan and finally that dream has come true. Everything felt perfect today. Yes, we couldn’t secure the win, but the experience was perfect. In the second half, we showed that we can compete with Afghanistan and we will aim to do the same in the away fixture as well, he concluded.

FOOTBALL - Int News 09 Oct, 2025

Pakistan and Afghanistan play out goalless draw
Islamabad (SBR): The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended in a goalless draw.Both teams failed to convert their chances, leaving the match evenly poised after full time.The away leg of the qualifier between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be played on October 14, 2025, in Kuwait.

FOOTBALL - Int News 03 Oct, 2025

PFF President honoured with FIFA Committee Appointment
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The FIFA Council, in its meeting on 1st October 2025, appointed Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani as a member of the FIFA Youth Boys Competitions Committee, which is chaired by FIFA Council member Mathurin De Chacus of Benin.The Youth Boys Competitions Committee is one of FIFA’s most important bodies, tasked with shaping the framework, development and organization of youth tournaments worldwide, with the aim of nurturing the next generation of footballers. President Syed Mohsen Gilani’s inclusion in this prestigious committee highlights PFF’s commitment to youth development and international collaboration in football. (PR)  

FOOTBALL - Int News 27 Sep, 2025

SAFF U-17 Final: Dilawar appointed as Reserve Assistant Referee
Colombo (SBR): Pakistan’s renowned FIFA Assistant Referee Dilawar Khan has been appointed as the Reserve Assistant Referee for the Final Match of the SAFF U-17 Football Championship 2025.Dilawar Khan’s selection for the decisive fixture reflects not only his individual dedication and skill but also highlights the growing recognition of Pakistani match officials on the regional stage.The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dilawar Khan, acknowledging his achievement as a source of pride for the country’s football community.

FOOTBALL - Int News 25 Sep, 2025

Bangladesh defeat Pakistan 2-0 to reach SAFF U17 Championship final
Colombo (SBR): Bangladesh booked their place in the final of the SAFF U17 Championship 2025 after defeating Pakistan 2-0 in the first semi-final in Sri Lanka.Bangladesh got off to a flying start, with Nazmul Huda scoring the opening goal in the 3rd minute. Just a minute later, Mohammad Rahman doubled the lead with a strike in the 4th minute, giving Bangladesh early control of the match.

FOOTBALL - Int News 22 Sep, 2025

Pakistan to face Bangladesh in SAFF U-17 Semi-Final
Colombo (SBR): The semi-finals of the SAFF U17 Championship 2025 are set to take place on September 25 in Sri Lanka. Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the first semi-final at 2:30 pm Pakistan time while India will face Nepal in the second semi-final later in the day.Earlier, Pakistan lost to India 3-2 in the group stage. India went ahead in the 31st minute through Dallalmuon Gangte but Muhammad Abdullah equalized for Pakistan with a penalty in the 43rd minute.In the second half, India scored again through Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam in the 63rd minute and Rehan Ahmed in the 73rd to make it 3-1. Pakistan pulled one back with Hamza Yasir’s goal in the 70th minute, but India held on for the win.
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