The winds of change are sweeping through Pakistan’s footballing landscape. And this time, it’s the women leading the charge. In a heartening development for Pakistani football, the national women’s team has climbed three spots in the latest FIFA World Rankings, moving from 157 to 154, thanks to a spirited and strategic display in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.
This leap may seem modest on paper, but on the pitch, it reflects a major turning point.
Qualifying Success
The Green Shirts made their presence felt in the qualifiers with two eye-catching wins. Their 2-0 victory over Indonesia was a clinical performance that showcased discipline in defense and growing chemistry in attack. Even more inspiring was the 2-1 win against the Kyrgyz Republic, where Pakistan came from behind in dramatic fashion—proving their mental resilience and rising tactical acumen. These wins were statements of intent. Pakistan has struggled historically on the women’s football front, but this campaign painted a different picture: one of unity, vision, and hunger.
Rebuilding After Years in the Wilderness
It wasn’t long ago that Pakistan’s women’s team was absent from the international stage due to internal disputes and administrative breakdowns within the Pakistan Football Federation. After years in limbo, the team only returned to action in 2022. Since then, rebuilding has been painstaking—but now, it’s starting to pay off.
Under the guidance of head coach Adeel Rizki, the squad has been molded into a compact, tactically aware unit. Credit must also go to the Pakistan Football Federation’s current administration and NC for ensuring continued participation in international events.
A Growing Force in South Asia
The progress is not just statistical. Pakistan’s women are now being taken seriously in a region traditionally dominated by India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. While there’s still ground to cover before reaching those heights, these recent performances suggest that Pakistan may soon become a consistent threat in South Asian competitions.
And let’s not forget the players. Rising stars like Mariam Mehmood and newly inducted 19-year-old Layla Banaras have become role models for aspiring girls across Pakistan. Their performances in midfield and defense have been central to Pakistan’s recent success.
Related: Historic: Mariam Mehmood Shines as Women’s Team Stuns Kyrgyzstan in AFC Qualifiers
What’s Next for the Green Shirts?
The immediate goal is to break into the top 150 in the FIFA rankings.More importantly, regular international exposure and developmental infrastructure at the grassroots level are needed to sustain this momentum. Upcoming fixtures and friendly tournaments will be crucial for building continuity, refining strategies, and keeping players match-fit. If the support continues, both from the federation and fans, Pakistan’s women’s team might just be on the path to something truly historic.
About the Author
Mohsin Rasheed is the Chief Editor of Footballer.pk, Pakistan’s leading football media platform. He oversees editorial content and regularly contributes match reports, player profiles, and tactical features. You can reach him at [email protected]