The sun-baked grounds of Multan are witnessing more than just routine football drills this week; they are hosting the dreams of a nation. On July 29, 2025, the Pakistan Football Federation kicked off the AFC U-23 National Team trials, a crucial step in building the squad that will represent Pakistan in the qualifiers for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. These trials, scheduled to conclude on July 30 are the ignition point for a new chapter in Pakistan’s footballing journey.
The AFC U-23 Asian Cup
The AFC U-23 Asian Cup is one of the premier youth competitions in Asia, designed to showcase and develop future stars across the continent. The 2026 edition, to be held in Saudi Arabia, will serve not only as a developmental milestone for players but also as a competitive arena where regional powerhouses and emerging nations alike lock horns.
A total of 44 teams are participating in the qualification phase, each vying for a spot in the 16-team final tournament. With Saudi Arabia automatically qualifying as the host, eleven group winners and four best runners-up from the qualification stage will join them in the final competition.
The structure is rigorous: eleven groups of four teams will play round-robin matches at centralized venues, with only the elite progressing. The format is designed to test consistency, tactical awareness, and depth within squads, not just individual brilliance.
Age Criteria and Eligibility
In line with AFC regulations, only players born on or after January 1, 2003 are eligible for the 2026 edition. This age restriction ensures the competition serves as a proper developmental pipeline for future senior team members. The trials in Multan are thus focused on spotting raw but disciplined young talent, capable of adapting to high-intensity international football.
Pakistan in Group G
Pakistan has been drawn into Group G, a cluster that will stage all its matches in Cambodia. It’s a neutral yet challenging venue in terms of climate and conditions.
The teams in Group G are:
- Iraq
- Cambodia
- Oman
- Pakistan
Pakistan’s opening fixture is against Iraq, scheduled for September 3, 2025, at 16:00 (local time).
Iraq, with its strong youth system and a history of producing technically gifted players, will pose a formidable challenge. Cambodia will serve as both host and competitor, adding a home advantage edge, while Oman, known for its disciplined approach and tactical maturity, completes the group.
The Trials
For Pakistan, these trials are not just about picking 23 names to wear the national jersey. They represent the hope of a generation, an opportunity to step onto Asia’s youth stage with a statement. Following years of footballing instability, these trials are part of a broader effort by the new PFF administration led by Mohsen Gilani to reinvigorate the national setup and lay a stable foundation for long-term development.
Moreover, with Pakistani football still fighting for relevance on the continental stage, the U-23 team’s performance could reshape perceptions and inspire the next wave of young athletes across the country.
Stay tuned as we follow the team’s journey through the qualifiers, match by match, player by player, and moment by moment.
About the author
Mohsin Rasheed is the Co-founder & Chief Editor of Footballer.pk. He oversees editorial content and regularly contributes match reports, player profiles, and tactical features. You can reach him at [email protected] & [email protected]