Pakistan Finish 11th in FIH Hockey World Cup

NEW DELHI: (Sports Desk) — Pakistan’s national hockey team ended its FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign in 11th place after defeating South Africa in the classification match.

Led by full-back Abu Bakar, Pakistan made its return to the World Cup after an eight-year absence. The team played six matches during the tournament, recording two wins, three defeats and one draw.

Pakistan scored 17 goals throughout the competition while conceding 23. Young forward Hannan Shahid, 21, emerged as the team’s leading scorer with four goals.

Pakistan opened its group campaign with a 1-4 defeat against England before drawing 3-3 with Wales. A 3-5 loss to India then ended the team’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals.

In the classification phase, Pakistan secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Japan. The side then suffered a 2-4 defeat against New Zealand before drawing 4-4 with South Africa in regulation time.

Pakistan eventually won the shootout 4-3 against South Africa, securing 11th position in the final standings.

Former World Champions Struggle for Revival

Pakistan remains one of the most decorated teams in World Cup history, having won the prestigious title four times in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994.

However, the team has struggled to regain its former dominance in recent years. Limited resources, shortcomings in modern hockey development and administrative uncertainty have all been cited as factors behind the decline of Pakistan hockey.

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiyuddin Wani acknowledged that the 11th-place finish was below expectations.

He said, however, that the experience gained at the World Cup would be valuable as Pakistan prepares for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

The federation’s longer-term objective is to use the Asian Games campaign to secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, giving Pakistan an opportunity to return to the global stage with a stronger and more competitive side.