ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday to discuss football’s growing popularity in Pakistan and the potential that the sport has in the country, the minister said in a statement. 

Football in Pakistan has long existed in the shadow of cricket. However, the sport has been growing popular over the years, particularly among the youth, who form a passionate fan base in urban centers.

Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), met Infantino in Washington on Friday. 

“Had an excellent meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino,” Naqvi said in a post on X following his meeting with him during a trip to the US.

“We discussed the immense potential of sports in Pakistan — especially the growing popularity of football following cricket,” he added. 

Pakistan and FIFA share a complex yet evolving relationship, shaped by ongoing efforts to develop football infrastructure and promote the sport in the country.

Pakistan has faced repeated administrative challenges and international suspensions, largely due to government interference in football affairs.

In 2019, FIFA appointed a normalization committee to restore order within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and facilitate the holding of democratic elections.

FIFA suspended the PFF earlier in February after its elected congress rejected the constitutional amendments proposed by the global football body but the ban was reversed in March after PFF accepted the proposed constitutional amendments.

However, Pakistan remains committed to elevating its football profile despite recurring setbacks such as suspensions.

The Pakistan national football team last played a match in March, losing 2–0 to Syria in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier.

The next FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.