Pakistan women’s team to make FIFA Series debut in Côte d’Ivoire

Islamabad: Pakistan’s women’s football team is leaving on Monday for Côte d’Ivoire to take part in the FIFA Series 2026, in what will be the country’s first appearance in the international competition.

The tournament is scheduled to run from April 9 to April 16 and will feature Pakistan alongside hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Turks & Caicos Islands on April 9, play Mauritania on April 12 and then meet the hosts on April 16.

The development comes after a meeting between Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the Club World Cup last year. The two discussed the development of football in Pakistan, with particular focus on the women’s game.

Pakistan’s inclusion in the FIFA Series marks a significant step for the women’s national side and offers players an opportunity to compete internationally against other national teams. The event is also being seen as part of the broader progress of women’s football in the country.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani expressed confidence about the team’s future and said his leadership was focused on positive growth and long-term development of football in Pakistan.

Pakistan squad for FIFA Series 2026

The squad announced for the tournament includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.

Goalkeepers: Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf, Arzoo Hazara

Defenders: Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan, Nizalia Siddiqi

Midfielders: Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi, Zehmena Malik

Forwards: Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri, Azwa Chaudhry

The FIFA Series is expected to provide Pakistan’s players with international exposure and a chance to test themselves at a higher level of competition. For the national women’s side, the upcoming matches in Côte d’Ivoire will mark a historic first in the tournament and an important moment in their international journey.