Pakistan’s Under-15 team recorded its first win at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, recovering from an early deficit through a four-goal performance by Kaleemullah.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s Under-15 football team defeated Tonga 6-1 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, October 28, recording its first victory of the tournament. Kaleemullah led the scoring with four goals, while Maqbool Ahmed and Muhammad Mustafa scored once each.
The Shaheens recovered from an early setback after Tonga took the lead through a penalty in the sixth minute. Kaleemullah equalised from the spot a minute later before putting Pakistan ahead in the 13th minute with a header.
Kaleemullah leads Pakistan’s comeback
Pakistan continued to apply pressure after taking the lead, and Kaleemullah completed his hat-trick with another penalty in first-half stoppage time.
The forward added his fourth goal after the break, heading home at the far post following a kick-in from the left. His four-goal performance helped Pakistan establish a commanding advantage.
Maqbool Ahmed extended the lead with a long-range strike before Muhammad Mustafa completed the scoring with a finish following an attacking move down the left.
The 6-1 result gave Pakistan a convincing win after conceding first and marked an important moment in the team’s campaign. <Cite refs={[“turn145193search1″,”turn145193search8”]} />
Pakistan had drawn against Jordan and Nigeria
The victory followed Pakistan’s 1-1 draws against Jordan and Nigeria in a double-header earlier in the competition. Those results earned the team its first two points before the win over Tonga ended its opening run without a victory.
Pakistan had also suffered defeats against Gambia, South Sudan and Cyprus during the tournament’s earlier matches, according to reports covering the team’s campaign.
The Tonga match therefore represented a turnaround in results for the young side, with its attack producing six goals.
A landmark appearance for Pakistan
The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival is being held in Azerbaijan in October 2026. FIFA describes the inaugural event as a global youth football competition involving 189 member associations, with matches staged in Baku.
Pakistan is making its first appearance at a FIFA World Cup event. Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani attended the match and congratulated the squad and coaching staff following the victory.
The event offers young players international match experience against opponents from different regions. Pakistan will look to build on the Tonga result as its tournament campaign continues.
