Kaleem Ullah scored four goals as Pakistan's Under-15 football team earned a 6-1 victory against Tonga, marking the nation's first win at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan earned two points by securing 1-1 draws against Jordan and Nigeria.
Tonga opened the scoring via a penalty in the sixth minute, but Kaleem Ullah answered instantly by converting a penalty kick one minute later.
In the 13th minute, he scored with a header following a cross from the right side, and then secured his hat-trick with another penalty during stoppage time of the first half.
Pakistan maintained pressure after the break, with Kaleem Ullah netting his fourth goal using another header from a left-side kick-in.
Maqbool Ahmed scored the fifth goal with a strong long-range shot, and Muhammad Mustafa finished the scoring by placing the ball neatly after an attack down the left flank.
After conceding the opening goal, Pakistan controlled large portions of the game and generated numerous scoring chances to seal the win.
Syed Mohsen Gilani, President of the Pakistan Football Federation, watched the match and commended the squad for achieving the first win by a Pakistani team at a FIFA World Cup.
Gilani additionally lauded the team management and coaches for their squad preparation, emphasizing the value of international experience for young Pakistani players and wishing for future chances to play against opponents from various areas.
The first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival runs from October 22 to 31, 2026, in Azerbaijan, featuring games at multiple Baku locations such as the Hovsan Competition Complex.
Coached by Ihsanullah Khan, who chose a 14-player roster, Pakistan is participating in a FIFA World Cup tournament for the first time.
