Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s national football team achieved a remarkable milestone this week with their 1-0 victory over Cambodia in a World Cup qualifier. While the match may have gone relatively unnoticed in the global soccer arena, the significance for Pakistan was immense. The victory marked the country’s first-ever win in a World Cup qualifying round and their first international victory since 2018.
The crucial moment came in the 67th minute when Harun Hamid scored the decisive goal in the second leg, securing Pakistan’s place in the second round of Asia’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The team had previously played to a goalless draw in Phnom Penh, making their aggregate victory even more impressive.
This historic achievement sparked jubilant celebrations at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium, where fans and players alike reveled in the long-awaited victory. The win was particularly meaningful for the squad as it ended a 13-match losing streak and marked a turning point for Pakistani football.
The team’s new manager, Englishman Stephen Constantine, who assumed his role in late September, played a pivotal role in this triumph. Constantine had the daunting task of assembling a squad from both local and overseas-based players, some of whom had not competed in a competitive match for several months.
“It is an unbelievable atmosphere here, I’ve not seen so many grown men cry in all my life,” Constantine remarked. He highlighted the magnitude of this achievement, emphasizing that Pakistan had not qualified for the second stage in their 75-year history. Moreover, it was their first home game in eight and a half years, adding to the emotional significance of the victory.
Despite football taking a backseat to cricket, which is the most popular sport in Pakistan, the nation rallied behind their football team. Pakistan, ranked 197th in the world, faced substantial challenges due to the ban imposed by FIFA in April 2021, lasting for 15 months. The ban resulted from ‘undue third party interference,’ marking the second suspension within four years.
Constantine acknowledged the unique challenges the Pakistani team faced, including players with part-time jobs and prolonged gaps in their match experience. Nevertheless, their triumph over Cambodia was a testament to their dedication and resilience.
The next round for Pakistan involves matches against formidable opponents like Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Jordan, with the games scheduled to begin in November. As for Constantine’s future with the team, his short-term arrangement leaves the question open. He stated, “The next game is away to Saudi Arabia in November, so welcome to the real world! My current deal finishes in the next three days … They cannot give me a full one-year, two-year term. The PFF (Pakistan Football Federation) will have to come up with some sort of plan. I’m assuming they want me to stay, but we’ll see.”
This historic victory has ignited hope and excitement among football enthusiasts in Pakistan, as the national team looks ahead to further challenges in the World Cup qualifiers.
