Pakistan has also been given the opportunity to play in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

The tournament will be held from 21st September 2026 to 6th October 2026, with countries outside of the ASEAN region being given the opportunity to take part. India was the only country outside of the ASEAN region that was arranged to take part.

The 2026 SAFF Championship was set to take place during the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, with it being moved to November so that India can take part in the ASEAN tournament.

Pakistan's largest news organization Dawn stated that FIFA has decided to extend an invitation to Pakistan to play in the ASEAN Cup, which has been acknowledged by FIFA. 

After being crowned the champion team in the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano said that Pakistan will still need to compete in an additional tournament during the FIFA break of September and November.

However, he did not state which tournament it is.

The 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament is the first cup Pakistan has won in 35 years. After the Pakistan team returned to their homeland with the cup, their media speculated that the team would compete in the ASEAN Cup.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup is a completely new tournament, with it to take place in a two-group or two-division format.

Dawn stated that Pakistan may play in Division One.

Along with India and Pakistan in South Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Philippines will also take part in the tournament.

Other Pakistani media stated that Pakistan getting the opportunity to play in the tournament is the result of the President of the Pakistan Football Federation Syed Mohsen Gilani's discussions with FIFA leadership during his visit to the World Cup opening ceremony.