What happened
Pakistan beat Japan 4-3 in the semi-final of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualifier at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Friday 6 March, securing their place at this year’s World Cup.
The team, captained by Ammad Butt, trailed 3-1 in the third quarter before scoring three goals in the last nine minutes of the final quarter to win. Dawn reported that goalkeeper Ali Raza also saved a late penalty stroke, awarded to Japan about four minutes from the end, to protect the lead. Pakistan had won all three of their group matches — against China (5-4), Malaysia (5-3) and Austria (4-2).
The win guaranteed Pakistan a place at the FIH Hockey World Cup, which Belgium and the Netherlands will co-host in August. Pakistan will face England, who beat Malaysia 7-1 in the other semi-final, in the qualifying tournament’s final on Saturday at the same venue.
Why it matters
The qualification ends an eight-year absence from the global showpiece for a country that was once a dominant force in the sport. Pakistan are four-time World Cup winners. Dawn reported that they failed to qualify for the 2014 tournament in The Hague and finished 12th at the 2018 edition in Bhubaneswar, India, and then missed the 2023 World Cup.
Pakistan Hockey Federation president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani congratulated the team on reaching the final and qualifying for the World Cup, praising the players’ determination and fighting spirit, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
What is still uncertain
The final against England will decide who wins the qualifying event, though Pakistan’s place at the World Cup is already secure. Pakistan’s pool and opponents at the August tournament, and the team’s preparations and funding before then, have not been announced. The exact composition of the squad for the final has also not been confirmed.
Sources & reporting notes
This is a synthesis of published material, not eyewitness reporting. Sources were reviewed on 2026-03-06.
- Dawn — Pakistan edge Japan 4-3 to qualify for Hockey World Cup after 8 yearsPublished 6 March 2026 · The match score, the comeback, the group results, the final against England and Pakistan's World Cup history.
- Geo News — Pakistan edge Japan to qualify for FIH Hockey World Cup after eight yearsPublished 6 March 2026 · Confirmation of qualification and the final against England.
- Associated Press of Pakistan — Pakistan beat Japan 4-3, qualify for Hockey World CupPublished 6 March 2026 · The semifinal result and the Pakistan Hockey Federation president's congratulations.
