FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that he will visit Pakistan very soon to help promote and revive football in the country. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, Infantino said he had personally promised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that he would make the trip following recent positive changes within Pakistan’s football leadership.
Infantino praised Pakistan’s football potential, calling it a great football country with the capacity to rise to the top of Asian football. He highlighted that FIFA is actively working to create opportunities for emerging talent and stressed the importance of giving every young player a fair chance to succeed, especially in a country like Pakistan, where untapped talent is vast.
Echoing these sentiments, Fifa’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger also emphasized Pakistan’s massive population and the opportunities it presents for grassroots football growth. Wenger pointed out that with over 250 million people, Pakistan holds enormous potential that can only be unlocked through structured development programmes, academies, and youth football initiatives.
Wenger revealed that discussions are already underway to establish football academies in Pakistan, describing grassroots development as the first and most crucial step toward long-term success. He underlined that nurturing youth football is essential for building a competitive national structure and strengthening the overall football ecosystem.
When asked about his own possible visit to Pakistan, Wenger said scheduling remains a challenge due to his responsibilities across 211 Fifa member countries, but added that he hopes to travel to Pakistan when the opportunity arises.
Pakistan’s football has struggled in recent years due to administrative disputes, governance issues, and repeated FIFA interventions, which resulted in international isolation. However, the formation of a new leadership structure within the Pakistan Football Federation has helped restore confidence and reopened doors for international collaboration.
Infantino’s planned visit is widely seen as a significant step toward rebuilding trust and strengthening relations between FIFA and Pakistan. Officials believe the visit could accelerate grassroots development, youth programmes, and improvements in football governance, ultimately helping Pakistan reclaim its place on the international football stage.
