Pakistan Clinches FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Spot

ISMAILIA (Web Desk) – Pakistan secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Japan in the semi-final of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualifiers at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium on Friday, booking their return to the global tournament after an eight-year absence. The upcoming World Cup will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in August 2026.

Japan created the first major chance, with Tsubasa Tanaka going one-on-one with Pakistan’s goalkeeper but sending the ball over the crossbar. Pakistan soon responded as Ammad Butt opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a rebound off the post.

Pakistan Hockey Team Qualifies for 2026 Hockey World Cup After 8 Years

Japan equalised in the 21st minute through Ryoma Ooka and then took the lead in the second half with goals from Shota Yamada and Koji, putting Pakistan under pressure. However, with Japan reduced to ten men in the final ten minutes, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback. Abu Mahmood scored in the 52nd minute, followed by Sufyan Khan three minutes later to level the match. Afraz netted the decisive goal in the 57th minute with a clever deflection.

Japan had a final chance to force a shootout via a penalty stroke, but Pakistan goalkeeper Ali Raza made a crucial save, sealing the victory. This win marked Pakistan’s fourth consecutive triumph in the qualifiers, having topped their group stage unbeaten.

Pakistan will face England in the final of the qualifying event at the same venue on Saturday. Once a dominant force with four World Cup titles, Pakistan has struggled in recent years, missing out on the 2014 and 2023 editions and finishing 12th in 2018.