ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been placed in a challenging group with Iraq, Oman, and Cambodia for the qualifiers of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup 2026, following the official draw held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
The Group ‘G’ fixtures will take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where Pakistan will kick off their campaign against Iraq on September 3.
They will then face the host nation on September 6, followed by a crucial clash with Oman on September 9 to wrap up their group stage journey.
Format and Qualification Criteria
The path to qualification is steep. Only the winners of each of the 11 groups will qualify directly for the U-23 Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. Additionally, four of the best second-placed teams across all groups will also advance, rounding out the 16-team competition. Saudi Arabia, as hosts, qualify automatically.
For Pakistan, it presents both a massive opportunity and a stern test. Facing regional powerhouses like Iraq and Oman, along with a spirited Cambodian side playing at home, the national team will need strong performances across all three matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Key Tournament Significance
The AFC U-23 Asian Cup is considered a vital competition for nurturing future senior team players across Asia. It provides a high-level competitive platform for emerging talent and plays a significant role in player development and exposure at the continental level.
This will be a critical outing for Pakistan’s youth setup, as it seeks to mark its presence in one of Asia’s premier age-group tournaments. A strong showing could boost Pakistan’s long-term football prospects and player pipeline.
