Assessment of the Pakistan national team at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup: Can the 198th-ranked team cause an upset?

The Pakistan national team surprisingly qualified for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup after China withdrew. They are rated lower than the teams of Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, but their recent form and the arrival of coach Nolberto Solano could make them a notable unknown factor.

The status of the Pakistan national team

The Pakistan national team surprisingly qualified for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup after China withdrew, creating one of the most notable stories ahead of the tournament. The Falconscurrently rank 198th in the world, significantly lower than Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, but recent signals show they are not an opponent to be taken lightly.

According to the FIFA rankings, Pakistan is far behind the other three teams in Group B of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Tier 1. Vietnam is ranked 99th, Thailand 94th, and the Philippines 135th. Therefore, theoretically, Pakistan is considered the weakest team in the group and will struggle to compete for a ticket to the next round.

Remarkable recent form

The recent form of the Falconsis showing positive signs. In their last 5 matches, the Pakistan national team secured 3 wins, 1 draw and suffered only 1 defeat. They scored 8 goals and conceded only 2 goals. Notably, the Falcons once defeated Afghanistan 2-0, then beat the same opponent again with the same score, and won the championship of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament 2026.

Coach Nolberto Solano

Another notable point is on the coaching bench. Pakistan is currently led by Nolberto Solano, a former Peruvian international who played for many years in the Premier League with Newcastle United. Solano's top-level football experience is expected to help Pakistan improve their tactical organization and build a more effective playing style.

Strengths and weaknesses

Professionally, Pakistan has certain advantages in physicality, tackling ability, and aerial balls. This could be a weapon to trouble teams that favor technical play. However, their coordination, ball circulation speed, and ability to counter mobile teams remain major question marks.

The 1-2 loss to Myanmar in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers partly exposed this weakness. When facing a Southeast Asian team with speed and quick coordination, Pakistan encountered considerable difficulties. This could also be an issue that puts them at a disadvantage when facing Vietnam or Thailand at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

What should the Vietnam national team note when facing the "Falcons"?

For the Vietnam national team, Pakistan is clearly not on par in terms of squad quality. Coach Kim Sang-sik's side remains one of the strongest candidates in Group B. However, the fact that Pakistan enters the tournament with nothing to lose could make them a troublesome opponent, especially if they opt for a tight defensive approach and capitalize on set pieces.

Overall, Pakistan will find it difficult to compete on equal terms with Vietnam or Thailand. Nevertheless, the world's 198th-ranked team is showing noteworthy progress and has an experienced coach. Therefore, instead of viewing Pakistan as a point bank, the opponents in Group B should perhaps show them a certain degree of respect. Surprises are entirely possible if Pakistan capitalizes on their chances and maintains defensive solidity.