ISLAMABAD: The head coach of Pakistan’s men’s national football team, Stephen Constantine, declared on Saturday his squad will face Jordan with resolve in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Islamabad next week, indicating a robust approach against their adversaries.
Football in Pakistan, while not as widely played or followed as cricket, has a growing base of enthusiasts passionate about the game. Efforts are underway to bolster the national team’s performance and presence on the international stage, aiming to elevate Pakistan’s status in global football tournaments and nurture homegrown talent.
Speaking to the media in Lahore on Saturday, Constantine outlined the team’s mindset and strategic focus ahead of their encounter with Jordan, one of Asia’s top football teams, on March 21 at the Jinnah Stadium Islamabad.
“It’s difficult obviously for Pakistan to play World Cup Qualifiers and face adamant opponents, who are football giants in Asia,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Pakistan’s Football Federation. “We have very little time to prepare for such a big game. And unfortunately, we are going to play one of the best teams [Jordan] in Asia on 21st March.”
However, he added: “We will fight against Jordan and not lay down.”
Responding to a query regarding whether the Pakistan team is going to play this FIFA World Cup 2026, Constantine said: “No, we are not going to play this World Cup and maybe not the next World Cup as well. I am trying to prepare the team for the Asian Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Championship.”
As the national team intensifies its preparations, he revealed that diaspora players were expected to join the training camp soon, adding strength to the squad.
“A proper and professional football league is the most important thing here in Pakistan,” he continued. “You cannot produce a player without a league.”
Constantine highlighted the tough competition within their qualifying group, which includes heavyweights like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan.
However, he said it was an opportunity for the Pakistani squad to gain valuable experience and exposure that would benefit them in the long run.
Pakistan football coach vows resolute approach for next week’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Jordan
https://arab.news/p2gxc
Pakistan football coach vows resolute approach for next week’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Jordan
- Stephen Constantine says he is preparing the team for the Asian Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Championship
- Pakistan faced tough competition within their qualifying group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan
Sharif departs for Austria on first official visit by Pakistani PM in over 30 years
- Shehbaz Sharif leads high-level delegation to Austria on two-day visit, says Pakistan’s foreign office
- Sharif to meet Austrian counterpart, chair Pakistan–Austria Business Forum meeting during visit
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Vienna on Sunday for a two-day visit to review bilateral ties, his office said in a statement, marking the first official visit by a Pakistani premier to the country in over three decades.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson said that Sharif is undertaking the visit at Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker’s invitation. Sharif will lead a high-level delegation comprising the deputy premier and information minister from the Feb. 15-16 visit.
The foreign office said Sharif’s visit marks 70 years since diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria were established.
“This visit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Vienna marks the first visit by a Pakistani Prime Minister to Austria in over three decades, the last having been undertaken by the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1992,” the statement said.
Sharif will hold bilateral talks with his Austrian counterpart, during which the two leaders will take stock of the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
“The prime minister will also chair a meeting of the Pakistan–Austria Business Forum, which is being organized by the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO),” the foreign office said. “He will also visit multilateral organizations.”
According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Islamabad and Vienna enjoy cooperation in the domains of trade, economy, culture and education.
It said Sharif’s visit to Vienna will establish new dimensions to the Pakistan-Austria relations.
