Pakistan invited to first FIFA ASEAN Cup

Pakistan's national football team is poised to make its debut in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a newly established tournament set to take place in Indonesia from September 21 to October 6. Media reports indicate that FIFA has extended an invitation to Pakistan for the competition.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has reportedly accepted the invitation. The national team is expected to compete in Division 1, facing a challenging field that includes Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, India, and the host nation, Indonesia. This inclusion is attributed to ongoing discussions between PFF President Mohsen Gilani and FIFA leadership, though official confirmation was still pending at the time of reporting.

This development represents a significant milestone for Pakistani football, marking the country's first participation in a FIFA-sanctioned tournament beyond the usual World Cup and continental qualifiers. The news follows closely on the heels of Pakistan's victory in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, where they defeated Afghanistan 2-0 to secure their first stand-alone international title in 74 years.