The highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match between Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled for October 9 at Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium, has hit uncertainty due to unresolved visa issues facing several members of the Afghan football squad.
According to sources within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), a number of Afghan players and officials are still awaiting their entry visas, leaving both federations scrambling for a solution just days before kickoff. Discussions are reportedly underway to explore a visa-on-arrival option if the paperwork isn’t finalized in time.
> “We’re in close contact with all relevant authorities to make sure the match goes ahead as planned,” a PFF official told local media, stressing that all preparations on Pakistan’s end are complete.
The delay has put a temporary hold on final logistics and training schedules for the visiting team. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is said to be monitoring the situation closely and could issue a statement or press release if the situation drags further.
Meanwhile, Pakistani fans are eagerly waiting for the first major home football event in years. The PFF has already announced ticket sales through Bookme.pk, with three pricing categories:
Premium Plus: PKR 4,000
Premium: PKR 1,500
First Class: PKR 750
The return leg of the qualifier is slated for October 14 in Kuwait, a neutral venue chosen due to Afghanistan’s ongoing security and facility limitations.
Football enthusiasts in both countries have been buzzing with anticipation for this regional showdown, which marks another chapter in South Asian football’s slow but promising revival. However, the visa uncertainty has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of sporting unity between two neighboring nations.
As of now, both federations remain optimistic. But if the matter isn’t resolved soon, the AFC may have no choice but to reschedule or relocate the match—a move that could disappoint thousands of fans and disrupt Pakistan’s campaign to qualify for its first-ever Asian Cup.
