Pakistan seal Hockey World Cup return after dramatic Japan win
“Pakistan have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after beating Japan 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final.”
Key points
- Pakistan have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after beating Japan 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final.
- The win ends an eight-year absence from the tournament and sets up a qualifier final against England.
Pakistan have secured a place in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 by defeating Japan 4-3 in the semi-final of the qualifying event in Ismailia. The result sends Pakistan back to the World Cup after an eight-year wait and marks a significant boost for the national side.
The team made a bright start, with captain Ammad Butt scoring early to put Pakistan ahead. Japan responded strongly and turned the match around, moving into a 3-1 lead during the third quarter as Pakistan came under sustained pressure.
Pakistan then produced a powerful late comeback. Abu Mahmood, Sufyan Khan and Afraz scored in the final quarter to flip the contest and seal the win. The Green Shirts have now completed four straight victories in the tournament and will next face England in the final of the qualifier.
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