Stephen Constantine: Pakistan not ready for World Cup, target is Asian Cup qualification

Stephen Constantine has taken Pakistan to Second Round of WC Qualifiers for the first time in history.

Former Indian football team head coach Stephen Constantine was appointed as the head coach of India’s neighbours Pakistan ahead of the First Round of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Cambodia.

The English manager helped Pakistan end their 13-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over Cambodia. However, he was released from his duties following the win over Cambodia as he was brought on board on a short-term contract.

But, Constantine has been brought back as promised by the federation ahead of their Second Round Qualifiers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Pakistan are grouped alongside Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan in Group G. The Falcons will begin their campaign with an away clash against Saudi Arabia on November 16.

Stephen Constantine’s comments

The former Blue Tigers’ manager spoke to the media about his thoughts ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup Qualifiers. Constantine said that Pakistan cannot go to the World Cup this time because they are not ready. “Can we go to the World Cup this time? No we cannot. We are not ready to go to the World Cup,” said the manager.

He also said that Pakistan’s target is not to qualify for the World Cup, but to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup.

“But, what we can do is that we can build a team in these six qualifier games and try to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. Our target is not to go to the World Cup, we are not ready for that,” he asserted.

Pakistan under Stephen Constantine

The Pakistan national team have become a completely different side under the tutelage of Stephen Constantine. He has changed everything about the national team and is now a man on a mission.

He helped the Pakistan men’s national team end their long losing streak with an historic win over Cambodia in the First Round. The win over Cambodia marked Pakistan’s first victory at home after eight years. Pakistan are unbeaten under Constantine and will look to deliver more such inspiring performances in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.