Pakistan has successfully qualified for the 2026 Hockey World Cup following a thrilling 4-3 victory over Japan in the semi-final of the World Cup qualifying tournament held in Egypt on March 6, 2026.
The team, known as the Men in Green, maintained an unbeaten streak throughout the tournament. They opened the scoring in the first quarter and added three decisive goals in the fourth quarter, ensuring their place in the global event after an eight-year absence.
Key players such as Imad Muhammad, Abubakar Mahmood, Sufyan Khan, and Afraz each contributed a goal, while goalkeeper Ali Raza played a critical role by saving a penalty stroke in the final minutes of the game, securing the win for Pakistan.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s leadership, including President Mohiuddin Wani, praised the team for their excellent performance under pressure. The Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, also commended the team’s hard work and teamwork, which he believes proves Pakistan’s hockey talent.
The World Cup is scheduled to commence on August 14, 2026, in Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan’s qualification marks a significant comeback, as the team had not qualified for the World Cup since 2018.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 7, 2026
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