Football fans in Pakistan have reason to celebrate as FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that he will be visiting the country soon. Speaking in a recent interview, Infantino confirmed that he intends to make the trip in the near future and emphasized that he had previously promised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Pakistan, a commitment he is now preparing to fulfill.

Infantino highlighted that the Pakistan Football Federation has recently welcomed a new president who is making remarkable efforts to promote the sport. He described Pakistan as a “great footballing nation” and expressed his aspiration for the country to establish a strong presence among Asian football teams. To achieve this goal, he said, he is actively working alongside Pakistan football authorities to enhance the performance and development of young players.

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The FIFA President also pointed out that several programs and training sessions are being organized to nurture the talents of young Pakistani athletes, aiming to prepare them for success in Asian competitions. According to him, Pakistan’s relationship with FIFA has strengthened steadily over the years, reflecting a growing collaboration between the two organizations. Notably, FIFA recently appointed Pakistani parliamentarian Syeda Amna Batool to its Institutional Reforms Committee, signaling increased engagement with Pakistani football leadership.

Earlier, in November 2025, FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa visited Pakistan. During his three-day visit, he met with football executives and government officials to discuss strategies for improving football infrastructure and support systems across the country.

Football has traditionally been popular among Pakistani youth, but interest has grown further in recent years due to rising attention to international leagues. Grassroots participation has increased, supported by local tournaments, school competitions, and community football clubs in major cities. Despite this growth, football continues to exist in the shadow of cricket, which has remained Pakistan’s most popular and commercially successful sport for decades.