In the First Round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification (Oct. 11-17, 2023), Pakistan’s football team secured victory against Cambodia in a two-legged tie, showcasing their prowess on the field. The home-and-away format saw Pakistan delivering a commendable performance, strategically outplaying Cambodia in both matches.
Pakistan advanced, they move on to the Second Round (Nov. 2023 – June 2024), competing with 36 teams in nine groups. The objective is to secure a position among the top two in their group, paving the way for the subsequent stage.
If Pakistan advances to the Third Round, beginning in September 2024, involves 18 teams divided into three groups. Pakistan must aim to finish among the top two in their group to directly qualify for the World Cup. Teams that don’t secure direct qualification proceed to the Fourth Round.
The Fourth Round, commencing in October 2025, sees six teams divided into two groups. Pakistan needs to clinch the top spot in their group to secure direct qualification, while second-place teams advance to the Fifth Round.
In the decisive Fifth Round (November 2025), the winner of the inter-group playoffs moves forward to the inter-confederation playoffs, marking the final step before potentially securing a coveted spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
