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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani met the US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Natalie A. Baker to explore closer cooperation through football, with a focus on youth development, women’s football and promotion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The meeting was held at the Freedom 260 Liberty Bell Initiative, themed “Let Freedom Ring”, an outreach programme launched by the US Mission in Pakistan. According to the PFF, discussions centred on using sport as a platform for people-to-people ties and improving Pakistan’s international image.
Gilani briefed the US diplomat on reforms underway at the federation since the current leadership took charge, outlining plans to align PFF operations with international standards and expand grassroots programmes across the country. He said football could play a broader role beyond competition by promoting unity, youth engagement and a more progressive global perception of Pakistan.
The PFF president also highlighted what he described as strong backing from the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Sports, particularly for grassroots and youth initiatives. He said this government support had provided the “administrative backbone” needed to push through reforms and accelerate development programmes.
“Our collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office is not merely about sport; it is a mission to empower the youth of Pakistan,” Gilani said, adding that institutional reforms were aimed at preparing young players to represent the country internationally.
Baker welcomed what she termed the federation’s rapid institutional progress over the past six months, noting increased fan engagement and visible government support for football development. Both sides agreed to prioritise cooperation in three key areas: advancement of women’s football, high-performance youth programmes, and a large-scale promotional campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States.
Gilani said Pakistan was committed to supporting the United States in the run-up to the World Cup, describing the tournament as an opportunity to project a positive image of the country through football.
“Pakistan intends to be a key partner in celebrating this global spectacle,” he said.
Beyond World Cup-related initiatives, Gilani stressed that women’s football would remain a cornerstone of the federation’s modernisation strategy. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing that cooperation through sport could serve as a tool for cultural exchange and stronger institutional governance, aimed at ensuring long-term stability for football in Pakistan.
