FIFA 2026 Qualifier, Saudi Arabia Team Reaches Pakistan

Saudi football team has landed in Pakistan to partake in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier, scheduled to take place at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad.

Led by esteemed manager Roberto Mancini and aided by former footballer Yaya Toure, Saudi squad received a warm welcome from Pakistani officials and Saudi Arabian ambassador Nawaf Bin-Said Al-Malki upon their arrival at Islamabad International Airport.

Originally planning to arrive two days before the match, Saudi team had to adjust their schedule due to inadequate training facilities and substandard condition of Jinnah Stadium. Consequently, they arrived just a day prior to much-anticipated fixture.

Pakistan Football Team Unveiled Its Squad on Tuesday

Meanwhile, struggling Pakistan football team unveiled its squad on Tuesday. Notable inclusions are 18-year-old striker McKeal Abdullah, currently playing for Mansfield Town in EFL League Two, and return of star winger Otis Khan and left-back Mohammad Fazal, providing a welcomed boost.

However, absence of Blackburn Rovers U21 goalkeeper Adam Khan from final lineup is notable. Furthermore, Pak team will be without the services of captain and star defender Easah Suliman, who will not be available due to Hajj.

Also Read: Pakistan’s Volleyball Team Clean Sweeps Over Australia

Pakistan, positioned at bottom of Group G, is yet to secure a win in their four matches. Their journey began with a 4-0 loss against Saudi Arabia in Al-Ahsa, followed by a 6-1 defeat to Tajikistan in Islamabad.

Subsequent matches saw Pakistan suffer a 3-0 loss to Jordan in Islamabad and a 7-0 defeat in reverse fixture at Amman International Stadium.

Following their match against Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is slated to face Tajikistan in their final group match of the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

Arrival of Saudi team and announcement of Pakistan’s lineup set the stage for an electrifying encounter at Jinnah Stadium. Both teams are gearing up for a crucial match in their World Cup qualifying journey, promising an exciting spectacle for football fans.