LAHORE – Former Newcastle United midfielder Nolberto Solano has officially arrived in Pakistan to begin his role as head coach of both the national and U23 football teams. His first assignment will be guiding the U23 squad in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
Solano, who also featured for Aston Villa, West Ham, and Leicester City during his playing career, takes over from Englishman Stephen Constantine. Under Constantine, Pakistan created history in 2023 by reaching the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time.
Pakistan’s U23s are placed in Group G alongside Iraq, Cambodia, and Oman. The qualifiers kick off on September 3, when Pakistan faces Iraq, followed by matches against Cambodia on September 6 and Oman on September 9.
“It’s an honor to be in Pakistan as head coach of the U23 and senior teams,” Solano said in a press release issued by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). “We believe in the talent of our players. Our immediate focus is the AFC U23 qualifiers, where we need to stay strong, play with purpose, and aim to qualify.”
During his visit to the PFF Football House in Lahore, Solano met Acting General Secretary Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar and other staff members. Khokhar called the appointment a “historic moment” for Pakistan football, noting Solano’s legacy as a world-class player who understands team building and international competitiveness.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani also expressed confidence in the new coach, saying: “Coach Solano brings great experience and vision. We believe he can take Pakistan football forward and build a strong, competitive team.”
The national camp began on August 14 in Abbottabad, where 50 players were shortlisted through tryouts. The final 23-member squad will be announced closer to the qualifiers.
