Pakistan makes history with a 1-0 victory over Cambodia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Pakistan’s national football team won their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, defeating Cambodia 1-0 at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad.
The defining moment came in the 67th minute, when Harun Hamid fired a precise strike, scoring the only goal of the game and sending Pakistan into the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers for the first time. This historic achievement comes after a goalless draw in the first leg of the preliminary qualifications in Cambodia.
Following this exceptional triumph, Pakistan’s football team has been assigned to Group G for the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. They will face tough competition from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Tajikistan, with the top two teams in this group earning a coveted ticket in the third round. Pakistan makes history with a 1-0 victory over Cambodia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The road to the FIFA World Cup is loaded with peril and excitement. The 18 nations that advance to the third round will be divided into three groups of six in a subsequent draw. The top two teams from each group will be invited to the FIFA World Cup, while the remaining six teams finishing third and fourth in the third round will be split into two groups of three. The winners of these groups will be guaranteed a place in the World Cup.
The voyage concludes in the fifth round, which determines Asia’s representative for the FIFA playoff competition. This stage comprises a two-leg, home-and-away match between the four-round runners-up.
Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar congratulated the national team on his X Account, formerly known as Twitter. “Many congratulations to the Pakistan national football team for winning their first ever World Cup 2026 qualifier today by defeating Cambodia 1-0 and advancing to the second round,” he said. Football has long been overlooked in Pakistan. But not any longer. The Pakistan Football Federation will be strengthened and empowered very soon to elevate this popular sport.”
Nawabzada In his congratulatory remarks, Balochistan Sports Minister Jamal Raisani remarked, “The way the Pakistani Shaheens played and secured the historic 1-0 win against Cambodia suggests that football has found a home here.” I’d want to congratulate everyone on the squad.”
Murtaza Solangi, the Federal Interim Information Minister, also praised the Green Shirts, stating, “I extend a warm welcome to international teams in Pakistan.” Football is a game for everyone, not just a select few. Football, however, has not received the attention it deserves in our country.The IPC Ministry made tremendous preparations for this match. I am hopeful that the football-related difficulties can be resolved shortly.”
Chairman of the PFF Normalisation Committee, Haroon Malik, also congratulated the national team and its coach, Stephen Constantine, on their historic victory. “The manner in which the Men in Green played and secured this victory is truly commendable.” We hope that in future matches, they would strive for greater results against football powerhouses.
“I am also grateful to the Pakistani government, particularly the IPC Ministry and the Pakistan Sports Board, for working with the PFF to make this historic match possible at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad.” “We look forward to hosting more FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in an appropriate manner, presenting a true and positive image of the country to the entire world,” said the NC Chief.
