FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said he plans to visit Pakistan “very soon,” stressing that the development and growth of football in the country is a priority for him and FIFA. He described Pakistan as a nation with strong football potential and said efforts are underway to help it progress at the Asian level.
Infantino made these remarks in an interview with Pakistan TV Digital on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos. He said he has already promised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that he will visit Pakistan and expressed confidence in the current leadership of the Pakistan Football Federation.
“I will come to Pakistan actually very soon. I promised the prime minister,” Infantino said. He praised the new federation president, saying he is doing “a fantastic job” and helping stabilize football administration in the country after years of uncertainty.
Calling Pakistan a “great football country,” the FIFA chief said he wants to see Pakistan competing strongly in Asia. “We need to bring Pakistan to the head, to the top of Asia for sure,” he said, adding that FIFA is actively working toward that long-term goal.
Pakistan’s engagement with FIFA has increased in recent months. Last month, FIFA appointed Pakistani lawmaker Syeda Amnah Batool to its Institutional Reforms Committee, reflecting growing cooperation between the global body and Pakistan’s football leadership.
Earlier, FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also visited Pakistan in November 2025. During his three-day trip, he held meetings with football officials and government representatives to discuss infrastructure development and future planning.
Football continues to gain popularity among Pakistan’s youth through grassroots programs, school competitions, and local tournaments. However, despite growing interest and viewership, football still trails cricket, which remains Pakistan’s most dominant sport.
Read more: FIFA President Scheduled to Visit Pakistan
