Thirty-five years after their last major international triumph, Pakistan have finally ended the wait. The national team lifted the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament trophy in the Maldives after defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final, marking a memorable moment in the country’s football journey.
The four-nation tournament, staged to celebrate 75 years of Maldivian football, featured Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the host nation Maldives. Pakistan topped the standings to reach the final and capped off their impressive campaign with the title-winning victory. The achievement also drew praise from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who congratulated the team on securing the country’s first football tournament triumph in 35 years.
Shehbaz Sharif Congratulates Pakistan Football Team on Historic Triumph
Taking to X, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined the celebrations following the national team’s title-winning campaign in the Maldives. The victory, which ended Pakistan’s 35-year wait for an international football trophy, drew praise from across the country, with Sharif applauding the players for their achievement.
He wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Pakistan’s football team on winning the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives. Their impressive victory over Afghanistan in the final has brought pride and joy to the entire nation. Wishing our talented players continued success in the future.”
Heartiest congratulations to Pakistan’s 🇵🇰 football team on winning the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives. Their impressive victory over Afghanistan in the final has brought pride and joy to the entire nation.
Wishing our talented players…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 11, 2026
How Did Pakistan End Their 35-Year Wait For an International Football Trophy?
Pakistan’s title-winning campaign in the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament was built on discipline at both ends of the pitch. Competing against Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh, Pakistan finished as the top team in the tournament before defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final. The triumph ended a 35-year wait for an international football title and marked the country’s first appearance in the final of a football-only tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Tournament.
One of the biggest reasons behind Pakistan’s success was their defensive solidity. The team scored seven goals across four matches and remarkably went through the entire tournament without conceding a single goal. That defensive organization was on full display in the final, where goalkeeper Saqib Hanif and the backline limited Afghanistan’s attacking opportunities despite repeated pressure, particularly in the second half.
Pakistan struck first in the 24th minute when Shayek Dost produced a stunning bicycle kick after Otis Khan’s effort created an opening inside the penalty area. Afghanistan came close through Omid Mousavi, whose attempt rattled the woodwork, but Pakistan remained composed. With Afghanistan pushing numbers forward in stoppage time, Haroon Rashid capitalized on a counterattack to seal the victory with the second goal. Rashid finished the tournament as the top scorer with three goals, while Otis Khan was named the competition’s Best Player.
