'Pakistan team can play FIFA World Cup in 2030'.

KARACHI -- Former Pakistan national football team captain Essa Khan believes that the national side can qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

However, Essa, who scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Pakistan, says that the dream of playing the World Cup can only be achieved if decisions are based on merit.

'The World Cup will be increased to 48 teams from 2026 which gives Pakistan a good opportunity to qualify for the event. Even if Pakistan can't qualify for 2026 World Cup, I'm hopeful that they can make it in 2026 if merit is promoted and all the stakeholders are on the same page,' said the 38-year-old.

Essa was also unimpressed with the Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee's decision to play a friendly against Nepal, which the Shaheens lost 1-0.

'Playing a friendly match against Nepal was a waste of money,' he said. 'Including diaspora players in the squad also damaged the confidence of local players.'

Anjan Bista scored the winner as Nepal beat Pakistan by 1-0 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.

This was Pakistan men's team's first international match in more than three years.

The foreign players which had joined Pakistan's squad included Hassan...