Spokesperson for the Sindh government and provincial assembly member Nadir Gabol has vowed to host the FIFA World Cup in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood by 2040 or 2050, claiming the area’s football facilities match international standards.
“FIFA World Cup should be held in Lyari, and we will work toward this goal. I promise we will make every effort to host the FIFA Football World Cup in Lyari by 2040 or 2050,” Gabol declared during an appearance on a news channel program.
The spokesperson asserted that Lyari’s Kakri Ground is not inferior to any stadium in Qatar but rather serves as a multi-sports complex offering gymnastics, karate, and boxing training alongside football facilities.
Gabol claimed Lyari has two world-class football grounds equipped with modern amenities that meet international standards. He emphasized that only the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Bilawal Bhutto can accomplish the task of bringing the Football World Cup to the densely populated Karachi neighborhood known for its football culture.
“Lyari’s stadiums have modern facilities and meet world-class standards,” Gabol said, adding that the area’s passion for football makes it an ideal host for the global tournament.
The spokesperson recalled that during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the government installed screens at two Lyari grounds where 20,000 people gathered at each location to watch matches. “The world appreciated this enthusiasm and passion for football,” he said.
When questioned about alcohol and other beverages during such international events, Gabol stated that restrictions would remain in place.
“Bhutto [Zulfikar Ali Bhutto] imposed restrictions on alcohol and similar drinks. We will not allow such things during the World Cup because we must answer to the public. Permission for alcohol could anger people, and PPP will absolutely not tolerate this,” he explained.
FIFA typically selects World Cup host nations years in advance through comprehensive bidding processes that involve national football associations, governments, and extensive infrastructure assessments.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the 2030 tournament will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with centenary matches in South America.
FIFA awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia in December 2024
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On the other hand, Pakistan has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup and currently ranks 199th in FIFA’s world rankings.