Nolberto Solano Praises FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia
Pakistan national football team head coach Nolberto Solano praised the organization and competitive level of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia, highlighting the high standard of service and regional play after his squad concluded their group stage matches in Jakarta, cnnindonesia.com reported.
Solano Cites High Competitiveness and Efficient Organization
Following a match against Vietnam at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Friday, October 2, the former Newcastle United player and current Pakistan coach expressed appreciation for the tournament environment. Solano stated that the experience was deeply positive for a squad working to build its future athletic capabilities.
Organizers managed all logistical details effectively, according to Solano. The competitive rigor of the tournament exposed visiting players to a high-caliber sporting atmosphere.
“It is a delightful experience,” Solano said in a press conference reported by cnnindonesia.com. “To be honest, we are very happy to be in a tournament as competitive as this. Slowly we can build a future after this.”
“The organizers arranged everything well. For Indonesia, I say that they are very impressive,” he added.
Regional Football Disparities and the Absence of a Domestic League
Solano pointed to the structural challenges facing Pakistan football, specifically noting that there has been no professional football league in Pakistan after it ran from 2004 to 2021. This gap left a developmental void for local athletes.
By contrast, Southeast Asian nations benefit from established domestic competitions that drive consistent player progression. Solano highlighted the domestic leagues in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam as advanced models.
“Look at our team’s ranking and how far the distance is,” Solano noted. “I see you [in Southeast Asia] are more advanced regarding football. The Thai League, Indonesian League, Malaysian League, and Vietnamese League are examples.”
The coach expressed hope that participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup would serve as a vital motivational tool for local players striving to reach international standards, despite the difficult obstacles facing the next generation of athletes in Pakistan.
Pakistan Finishes Bottom of Group B
During the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage, Pakistan competed in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Ali Akbar Khan and his teammates finished fourth, securing the bottom spot in the group standings.
Pakistan finished the group phase with one draw and two losses. The team’s only non-loss came against the Philippines, a fixture they managed to draw before concluding their run in the tournament.