FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially announced that he will visit Pakistan “very soon” as part of efforts to promote and strengthen football development in the South Asian nation.
Infantino made the remarks during an interview on the sidelines of the 56th annual World Economic Forum summit in Davos, highlighting Pakistan’s vast potential in the sport and FIFA’s growing partnership with the country’s football authorities.
The visit—expected in the coming weeks—signals a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to elevate football from a grassroots passion to a competitive force in Asian and global football.
It follows years of administrative reforms and sustained dialogue among FIFA, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), and government officials.
Pakistan is a fantastic football country.
During the interview, Infantino described Pakistan as a “great football country” with massive untapped potential.
He emphasised that Pakistan’s young population and strong enthusiasm for football make it well-placed to rise in Asian rankings if properly supported.
“We need to bring Pakistan to the head, to the top of Asia, for sure,” Infantino said, underlining FIFA’s renewed commitment to the sport’s development in the country. He added that giving every talented player a chance is a key part of this vision.
Infantino also referenced his promise to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to make the trip soon, highlighting the intense sports diplomacy and cooperation between FIFA and Pakistan’s leadership.
Growth of Football in Pakistan
Football in Pakistan—historically overshadowed by cricket—has seen renewed interest recently, as youth participation, school competitions, and local leagues are gaining traction nationwide.
Infantino’s announcement follows positive developments within the Pakistan Football Federation, including administrative reforms and the installation of a new PFF president, which FIFA officials praised during their discussions.
This renewed momentum also coincides with Pakistan’s broader engagement with FIFA initiatives to strengthen grassroots football, improve infrastructure, and expand youth programs nationwide.
FIFA and Pakistan’s Football Partnership
FIFA’s growing involvement in Pakistan pre-dates the current announcement.
Last month, a Pakistani lawmaker, Syeda Amnah Batool, was appointed to FIFA’s Institutional Reforms Committee, reflecting deeper ties between the global governing body and Pakistan’s sporting framework.
FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa also visited Pakistan for three days in November 2025, meeting with local officials to discuss football infrastructure, youth development, and strategic partnerships.
These joint efforts underscore FIFA’s commitment to working closely with Pakistani authorities to address longstanding challenges and ensure the sport’s stability and growth at all levels.
Why This Visit Matters for Pakistani Football
Infantino’s planned visit is significant for several reasons:
1. Symbolic Boost for the Sport:
A visit by the head of FIFA—football’s global authority—sends a strong message about Pakistan’s potential and importance in the international football community.
2. Investment and Development Opportunities:
Face-to-face dialogue could attract investment in coaching, training facilities, and youth academies, which are essential for long-term success.
3. Institutional Support:
Direct engagement with FIFA could lead to technical support, governance reforms, and enhanced integration into global football structures.
4. Youth Empowerment:
With Pakistan’s large youth population, developing football can create pathways for talent discovery, education, and international exposure.
Challenges Facing Football in Pakistan
Despite the optimism, football in Pakistan has long faced hurdles:
- Administrative instability within the national federation hampered progress and resulted in periods of isolation from international competitions.
- Limited infrastructure, including stadiums and training facilities, has slowed competitive advancement.
- Cricket’s dominance continues to overshadow football, capturing major sponsorship and audience attention.
Infantino’s visit could help address some of these obstacles by bringing international expertise and renewed focus to national strategies.
Support from Football Community and Officials
Officials within Pakistan’s football circles have welcomed the news.
They see the visit as a chance to spotlight local talent and elevate Pakistan’s football landscape globally.
We expect the partnership between FIFA and PFF to concentrate on coaching education and youth leagues.
We anticipate the expangrowth of women’s football and the implementation of community outreach programs to increase the sport’s reach acrosssion of women’s football and the implementation of community outreach programs to expand the sport’s reach throughout the provinces.
Experts believe that these efforts might eventually lead to better performance by Pakistan’s national teams in Asian and FIFA competitions, helping the country compete on larger stages.
Grassroots and Youth Football Focus
One of the core themes of Infantino’s remarks was the importance of youth football development in Pakistan.
If we implement the right systems, Pakistan’s population of over 240 million presents immense potential for grassroots engagement.
FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, also highlighted the scope for youth investment.
Arsene Wenger emphasised the importance of establishing academies and implementing structured programs to nurture emerging talent nationwide.
Many believe that such programs could not only improve Pakistan’s competitive prospects but also provide educational and lifestyle opportunities for young players from diverse backgrounds.
What’s Next? Expectations for the Visit of the FIFA President
While FIFA has not yet announced an exact date, Infantino’s commitment to coming “soon” indicates that preparations are underway. The visit will likely include:
- Meetings with government officials and sports authorities
- Discussions with the Pakistan Football Federation leadership
- Site visits to football development centres
- Public engagements with youth and community clubs
Analysts expect the visit will set the tone for long-term strategic planning focused on infrastructure, training, and international collaboration.
A New Chapter for Pakistani Football
Gianni Infantino’s promise to visit Pakistan marks a historic moment in the country’s sporting journey.
With FIFA’s backing and renewed institutional momentum, Pakistan now has an opportunity to further integrate into the global football community and build a stronger future for the sport at every level.
As fans and officials alike await details of the visit, the announcement itself has already generated enthusiasm and hope among football lovers across the nation. (Aaj English TV)