India Beat Pakistan 5-3 to End World Cup

AMSTELVEEN:  (News Desk) -India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a high-scoring Pool D clash at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, ending Pakistan’s campaign and securing their own place in the tournament’s second round.

Pakistan entered the match needing a victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive after a 1-4 defeat to England and a 3-3 draw against Wales. India, meanwhile, had also lost to England but had defeated Wales in their opening match.

The pressure was evident from the start as India adopted an aggressive approach at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. Captain Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring from a penalty corner before Abhishek added another goal to give India a 2-0 lead in the opening quarter.

Harmanpreet struck again in the second quarter, converting a rebound to extend India’s advantage. Pakistan responded through Hannan Shahid, while Sufyan Khan also found the net to keep Pakistan within touching distance.

India, however, restored their two-goal cushion before half-time and went into the interval with a 4-2 lead.

India extended their advantage in the second half through Hardik Singh, who converted a penalty stroke to make it 5-2. Hannan Shahid scored his second goal late in the match, but Pakistan could not complete the comeback.

The 5-3 victory gave India six points and second place in Pool D, behind unbeaten England, who finished top with nine points. Both teams advanced to the next stage, while Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament.

Despite the fierce rivalry and high stakes, the match ended with the traditional handshake between the Pakistani and Indian players, providing a sporting moment after an intense contest.