Pakistan street child football team to depart for World Cup on Saturday

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Apr, 2026) A new chapter of hope and opportunity is set to unfold as Pakistan’s street child football team prepares to depart for Mexico on Saturday to participate in the upcoming Street Child Football World Cup.

This will be Pakistan’s fourth appearance in the global event, with the team receiving support from Muslim Hands and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. The initiative aims to empower marginalized youth through sports while drawing international attention to the challenges faced by street children.

Speaking on the occasion, Team Lead Rehan Tahir described the initiative as a structured and impactful effort to uplift underprivileged children. “Our goal is to connect children with sports at national, regional, and global levels, while ensuring their fundamental rights — the right to dream, to play, to education, and to identity,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, in collaboration with Muslim Hands, is backing the team not only for participation in the tournament but also to highlight issues related to child protection, access to education and equal opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Pakistan.

The 10-member squad representing the country includes Abdullah, Mubashir Shah, Muhammad Hamad, Nadeem Hussain, Muhammad Mustafa, Muhammad Essa, Shahid Anjum, Muhammad Kashif, Muhammad Bilal, and Muhammad Ibrahim, drawn from various parts of the country.

Pakistan has a commendable record in the Street Child Football World Cup, having finished runners-up in previous editions held in Russia and Qatar, and securing third place in Brazil achievements that brought international recognition to the country.

Upon arrival in Mexico, the team will be received by members of the overseas Pakistani community, including Hamza Arshad and Usman Ansari, reflecting strong support from Pakistanis living abroad.