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Jinnah Stadium Prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is diligently preparing Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad to serve as the hosting ground for a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match against Cambodia.

Following the granting of clearance by the Pakistan Sports Board, a thorough assessment of the renowned venue within the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad was conducted by a delegation from the PFF.

This PFF delegation included notable figures such as Shahid Khokhar, a prominent member of the PFF Normalisation Committee, and Shahzad Anwar, the head coach of the national team.

Shahid Khokhar expressed his contentment with the stadium’s facilities, commending the earnest endeavors of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in ensuring a successful hosting arrangement.

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Khokhar underscored the paramount importance of adhering to FIFA standards, emphasizing the necessity of a meticulously prepared pitch and an operational scoreboard. Plans are also in motion to request both the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA to evaluate the venue’s suitability.

In a recent development, the PFF Normalization Committee engaged in discussions with Dr. Asif Tufail, the Director-General of the Sports Board Punjab, to finalize the most suitable venue for the forthcoming qualifier.

The home match against Cambodia is scheduled for October 17, marking a pivotal juncture in Pakistan’s journey through the World Cup qualifiers. Notably, Pakistan will also face Cambodia in Cambodia on October 12 in the qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This strategic preparation and selection of the hosting venue are integral to Pakistan’s aspirations in the global football arena.