FIFA President to Visit Pakistan, Boost Football Growth
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced his imminent visit to Pakistan, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the nation’s football growth. Indeed, this highly anticipated Infantino Pakistan Visit underscores the organization’s strategic focus on elevating football development in Asia.
Infantino’s Promise and Praise for PFF Leadership
Infantino shared these plans during an interview with Pakistan TV Digital, conducted at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He affirmed a promise made directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Furthermore, the FIFA President highly commended the current leadership of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), acknowledging their “fantastic job.” Beyond this, “I will come to Pakistan actually very soon,” Infantino stated, reiterating his commitment to this significant engagement.
A Vision for Pakistan’s Football Future
Describing Pakistan as a “great football country,” the FIFA chief articulated his desire to see the nation climb in Asian football rankings. Consequently, he declared, “We need to bring Pakistan to the head, to the top of Asia for sure,” confirming that FIFA actively works towards this ambitious goal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he will visit Pakistan soon, citing a promise to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and confidence in the country’s new football federation leadership. "Pakistan a great football country," Infantino tells Pakistan TV Digital, saying FIFA aims to… pic.twitter.com/GRFT8k2Vhl
— Pakistan TV Digital (@PakistanTVcom) January 22, 2026
Strengthening Ties: Recent FIFA Engagements with Pakistan
Pakistan’s collaboration with FIFA has intensified recently. Just last month, FIFA appointed Pakistani lawmaker Syeda Amnah Batool to its Institutional Reforms Committee. Additionally, FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa visited Pakistan in November 2025. During his three-day trip, he held crucial meetings with football officials and government representatives, with discussions reportedly centered on enhancing infrastructure and development strategies.
Grassroots Growth and Future Aspirations
Football consistently captures strong interest among Pakistan’s youth, leading to expanding grassroots participation across numerous regions. Local tournaments, school-level competitions, and community clubs in major cities have collectively boosted engagement, particularly as international football leagues attract broader viewership. In contrast, while its popularity soars, football still trails behind cricket in Pakistan’s dominant sporting landscape, which continues to command greater attention and commercial value.
