Pakistan

Pakistan

The Pakistan national football team, nicknamed the Green Shirts, is governed by the Pakistan Football Federation and competes under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Football in Pakistan faces significant competition from cricket, but the sport has a passionate following. Pakistan has historically struggled in World Cup qualifying but has participated in SAFF Championship competitions. The team underwent a major crisis when FIFA suspended the federation in 2015 due to government interference, though the ban was lifted in 2018. Pakistan plays home matches at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad and the People's Football Stadium in Lahore. Recent efforts to rebuild the federation and invest in youth development aim to improve the national team's long-term standing in South Asian football.