PFF National U-17 Championship kicks off October 1 in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: The PFF National U-17 Football Championship 2026 is officially set to kick off in the capital on October 1, featuring 10 provincial and regional teams competing for national glory.
Originally postponed due to local security concerns in the twin cities, the tournament has been rescheduled, with all participating squads slated to report to Islamabad on September 29.
The 10 teams vying for the title represent regions from across Pakistan: Punjab: Potohar and RohtasSindh: Mehran and Indus. Balochistan: Hingol and Bolan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Himalayas and Khyber. Gilgit-Baltistan: Karakoram. Federal: Islamabad Margalla.
The teams will be divided into three groups (one group of four and two groups of three). The draw will take place following the Managers’ Meeting on September 30 at 4:00 PM at the Jinnah Sports Complex (Allama Iqbal Hostel Meeting Hall).
Group Stage: October 1–6 (two matches daily)Rest Day: October 7Semi-Finals: October 8Rest Day: October 9Finals & 3rd Place Play-off: October 10The top team from each group, along with the best second-placed team overall, will advance to the semi-finals.
The championship forms a central part of the Pakistan Football Federation’s broader strategy to revive domestic football and build a sustainable youth pathway. Beyond offering young athletes high-stakes competitive experience at the national level, the tournament serves as a crucial platform for unifying talent across all corners of the country.
With team arrivals beginning September 29 and group draws the following day, final preparations are underway for what promises to be an exciting showcase of Pakistan’s rising football talent.
