From Lyari to the FIFA World Cup? Nabil Gabol says it's happening for Pakistani players

Could Pakistan's next FIFA World Cup stars come from Lyari?

That's exactly what MNA Nabil Gabol believes.

Speaking during a live screening of the FIFA World Cup knockout clash between Brazil and Japan at the Lyari International Football Stadium, Gabol said he hopes footballers from Karachi's football-mad neighbourhood will one day wear Pakistan's colours on the biggest stage in the sport.

"There is a lot of talent in Lyari," Gabol said, pointing to the area's long-standing reputation as Pakistan's "Mini Brazil."

The atmosphere at the screening appeared to back up that claim.

The stadium was packed to capacity, with hundreds of fans reportedly left outside after the venue filled up, highlighting Lyari's unmatched passion for football.

Gabol also revealed that 12 players from Lyari have already been selected for overseas training before eventually joining Pakistan's national setup.

According to him, the goal is to prepare these players to represent Pakistan in future international competitions—including, hopefully, a FIFA World Cup.

It isn't the first ambitious football promise Gabol has made.

Earlier, he had even floated the idea of bringing a future FIFA World Cup to Lyari itself—a statement that quickly went viral online.

For now, though, the focus remains on turning Lyari's undeniable football obsession into something Pakistan has long chased: a place on football's biggest stage.