FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has pointed to Pakistan as a major “untapped” football market, revealing that plans are being discussed to set up a football academy in the country as part of a wider push for youth development.
Wenger shared his views while speaking to Pakistan TV on the sidelines of the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He said Pakistan’s massive population gives it a talent pool that has yet to be properly organized and developed.
“Pakistan’s population of 250 million people means there is huge potential that we have to develop together,” Wenger said, adding that he has met with Pakistanis to work towards establishing an academy. He described an academy setup as an important first step, alongside building a stronger grassroots and youth football structure.
On the question of whether he will visit Pakistan, Wenger did not give a confirmed timeline but said he hopes to travel when the schedule allows.
FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger says Pakistan’s population of 250 million represents vast untapped football potential. Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital in Davos, the former Arsenal manager stressed academies and youth development as key steps, saying… pic.twitter.com/m0WUcIsm7b
— Pakistan TV Digital (@PakistanTVcom) January 22, 2026
Wenger wasn’t the only FIFA leader to talk about Pakistan in Davos. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also said he plans to visit Pakistan in the near future and claimed he has already made that commitment to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Infantino credited the newly elected leadership at the Pakistan Football Federation, saying the federation’s president is doing “a fantastic job.” He also labelled Pakistan a “great football country” and said FIFA wants to see the country rise to the top level in Asia.
