Karachi, 23 April 2026(Kamran Raja): The Pakistan U-16 boys’ football team has departed for Kazakhstan to participate in the prestigious UEFA U-16 Boys Development Tournament 2026, scheduled from April 24 to 30.
Organized under the umbrella of UEFA, the tournament will be held at the Namys Stadium, Biik Sports Complex, marking Pakistan’s first-ever participation in a UEFA developmental event at this level.
The 19-member squad, announced by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), features a promising mix of young talent from across the country. Officials believe the tournament will provide invaluable international exposure and competitive experience against European opposition.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani termed the participation a “landmark opportunity” for youth development.
“Access to European competition at this level has historically been out of reach for our young players, and that is a gap we are determined to close,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of platform where our boys’ character will be tested and shaped.”
The team departed from Jinnah International Airport and is expected to arrive in Almaty later tonight.
Squad details are
Goalkeepers: Samar Razzaq, Naveed Ullah
Defenders: Muhammad Alam, Hamza Amjad, Maqbool Ahmed, Nadeem Hussain, Abdul Raheem Elahi, Syed Manzar Shah
Midfielders: M. Mustafa, M. Essa, Sagar Mehrban, Haroon Rasheed, Shahraz Khan, Abdul Samad, Hamza Yasir, M. Hanzala
Forwards: Danish Masih, M. Rafay, Kaleem Ullah
The tournament is being seen as a significant step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to revive and strengthen its football ecosystem, particularly at the grassroots and youth levels.