Pakistan ready to take on Saudi Arabia in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier

Coach and players express readiness for the challenge

KARACHI:

Pakistan team is gearing up to face off against Saudi Arabia in a crucial match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Round 2 here at the Jinnah Stadium of Pakistan Sports Complex on Thursday.Pakistani coach Stephen Constantine in a pre-match conference here, expressed his team’s readiness to take on the Saudi Arabia's team, saying, “We are prepared to give them a tough time and make the most of this opportunity.”

Pakistani player Abdullah Iqbal echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating, “We are fully prepared and will give our best performance. We want to win, regardless of the circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's head coach Roberto Mancini, acknowledged the challenges of playing against Pakistan, saying, “All matches are difficult, and we are not taking the match against Pakistan lightly.”Saudi Arabian player Mukhtar Ali who was excited about playing against Green-shirts in Pakistan, said, “We have received a warm welcome, and we are eager to put on a good show.”The match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams, determined to come out on top.

Pakistan will face Saudi Arabia on June 6 followed by an away fixture against Tajikistan on June 11 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan with Diaspora (D) players already joined the team.

Pakistan squad- Goalkeepers: Yousuf Butt (D), Saqib Hanif and Hassan Ali. Defenders: Abdullah Iqbal (D), Mohammad Fazal (D), Haseeb Khan, Rao Omer Hayat, Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Saddam, Waqar Ihtisham, Moin Ahmed and Abdul Rehman. Midfielders: Rahis Nabi (D), Otis Khan (D), Ali Uzair, Umair Ali, Toqeer ul Hassan, Alamgir Ghazi and Ali Zafar. Forwards: Imran Kayani (D), McKeal Abdulah, Fareedulah, Adeel Younas and Shayak Dost. Pakistan are placed in Group G with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan.