ISLAMABAD, 28 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The PFF National U-17 Football Championship 2026 will kick off in Islamabad on October 1, featuring 10 provincial and regional teams from across Pakistan competing for the title. The championship, which was earlier postponed due to uncertainty in the twin cities, will now be held according to the revised schedule, with all participating teams scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on September 29. The participating teams include Punjab Potohar, Punjab Rohtas, Sindh Mehran, Sindh Indus, Balochistan Hingol, Balochistan Bolan, KPK Himalayas, KPK Khyber, Gilgit-Baltistan Karakoram and Islamabad Margalla. The teams will be divided into three groups, with one group comprising four teams and the remaining two groups consisting of three teams each. The group winners and the best-performing second-placed team will qualify for the semi-finals. The group draw will take place following the Managers’ Meeting on September 30 at 4:00 PM at the Meeting Hall, Allama Iqbal Hostel, Jinnah Sports Complex, Islamabad. The group stage will run from October 1 to 6, with two matches scheduled daily. October 7 will be a rest day, followed by the semi-finals on October 8. After another rest day on October 9, the championship will conclude on October 10 with the third-place play-off and final. The championship is part of the Pakistan Football Federation’s ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen domestic football while providing young players from across the country with opportunities to compete at the national level and develop their skills. The tournament will bring together emerging football talent from different regions of Pakistan, offering valuable competitive experience and a platform for young players to showcase their abilities. With teams arriving on September 29 and the group draw scheduled for the following day, preparations are underway for the championship to commence on October 1.