The Pakistan national football team represents Pakistan association football in FIFA-authorised events and is controlled by the Pakistan Football Federation, the governing body for football in Pakistan. Pakistan's home ground is Punjab Stadium, Lahore. Pakistan became a member of FIFA in 1948 joining the Asian Football Confederation. Pakistan's national team debuted in 1950.
Pakistan contest the South Asian Football Federation Championship and South Asian Games, which alternate biennially. Pakistan won the Colombo Cup in 1952. Pakistan has great record in South Asian Games, won four gold medals in 1989, 1991, 2004, 2006 and won one bronze medal in 1987 respectively.
Despite this prestigious record and history as one of Asia's hegemon at 1950s, so far, Pakistan has never made appearance in any major tournament outside South Asian region, in contrast to its rival India and Bangladesh although none of them have ever qualified for the World Cup, largely due to the heavy influence of cricket in Pakistan and in general, South Asia.
The Punjab Stadium or Gaddafi Soccer Stadium or Ian Rush Stadium is a football stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. It was renamed as Ian Rush Stadium after the legendary Liverpool striker visited Pakistan to promote grassroots football in the Country. Muhammad Essa was the first man to score an international goal at this venue. Real Lahore, WAPDA FC and Wohaib FC use the venue for association football matches.