The FIFA World Cup trophy is expected to visit Pakistan ahead of the 2026 mega event, according to Chief Operating Officer of the Pakistan Football Federation Shahid Khokhar.
Khokhar, who has strong ties with FIFA and the AFC, has played a key role in addressing the decade-long challenges facing football in Pakistan. He said a visit by FIFA President Gianni Infantino could take place later this year, opening new avenues for the development of football in the country.
He added that, with FIFA’s support, comprehensive planning will be carried out to promote football across Pakistan. Promotional programs will be held this year in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and plans are underway to organize a professional league in the country.
Khokhar noted that after a long gap, elections were held and under the leadership of Mohsin Gillani, the Pakistan Football Federation is now functioning actively. He praised Gillani’s role as a football administrator and expressed confidence that the sport will gain further momentum, taking Pakistan to the level it deserves.
Answering a question, Khokhar said that currently around 2,400 to 2,500 clubs are active in the country, while the number of registered football clubs is close to 6,000, reflecting the scale of football activity nationwide.
He highlighted that football has always been popular in Pakistan, and media coverage and branding have further fueled interest among the youth.
Khokhar also confirmed that Pakistan’s women’s team has been included in the FIFA series, marking a significant achievement that will give the country more opportunities to participate in international events. He added that attention is being paid to improving the performance of the men’s team alongside the continued development of the women’s squad.
