Every young footballer dreams of getting the chance to represent their country. For 23 players from Pakistan, that opportunity is now becoming a reality. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced its final squad for the AFC U-17 ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS 2027, with the young Shaheens preparing for a challenging continental campaign in Laos.
The tournament will take place from November 8 to 20, 2026. Pakistan will compete against four other nations in Group D as they aim to secure a place in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027.
PFF Selects 23 Players After National Championship
The PFF selected the squad following the conclusion of the National U-17 Football Championship 2026. The tournament brought together young footballers from different parts of Pakistan. It gave them a chance to showcase their abilities and compete for national team selection.
Performances throughout the championship played an important role in the selection process. Players who stood out earned places in the final 23-member squad. This provided a merit-based pathway for young footballers to move from domestic competition to the international stage.
The selection also reflects the PFF’s efforts to strengthen youth football in the country. Providing opportunities to emerging players is an important step towards building a stronger national football setup.
Mohammad Habib to Lead Young Shaheens in Group D
Head Coach Mohammad Habib will lead Pakistan during the AFC U-17 ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS in Laos. The young Shaheens face a demanding group with four opponents.
Pakistan have been placed in Group D alongside Iran, Jordan, hosts Laos and Sri Lanka. Each team will provide a different challenge as Pakistan look to compete for qualification.
The tournament will test the young players against international opposition. It will also give them valuable experience at the continental level.
ALSO READ:
- Biggest Hits and Misses from the F1’s 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia
- F1’s 2026 Singapore GP schedule, weather forecast, and Preview
Complete 23-Member Pakistan Squad
The final squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards. The selected players will form the group representing Pakistan in Laos.
The goalkeeping department includes Samar Razzaq, Wali Ullah and Ahsan Ullah. All three have secured places in the final squad.
The defensive options include Nadeem Hussain, Hamza Khan, Muhammad Hammad and Syed Manzar Shah. Mubashir Shah, Muhammad Awais, Hasnain Ali and Mohsin Amin complete the eight-man defensive unit.
In midfield, Abdul Sammad, Arsalan Fareedi and Muhammad Khalil Ullah have been selected. Muhammad Irmad Sarwar, Muhammad Anees, Bari Dad and Essa Khan complete the seven-member midfield group.
The attacking department features five forwards. Muhammad Raffy, Muhammad Moosa, Muhammad Shahzad, Hazrat Abbas and Haris Khan will lead Pakistan’s forward options.
A Big Opportunity for Pakistan’s Young Footballers
The AFC U-17 ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS represent an important opportunity for these young players. Their performances in the national championship have earned them a chance to compete against some of Asia’s youth teams.
The next challenge will be turning their domestic performances into results on the international stage. With Mohammad Habib in charge, the young Shaheens will look to make their opportunity count.
Pakistan’s 23-member squad is now set for the competition in Laos. The journey towards the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 begins on November 8. The AFC U-17 ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS will give this young group a chance to show what Pakistan’s next generation of footballers can achieve.
ALSO READ:
