Pakistan secured qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after an eight-year gap by defeating Japan national field hockey team 4-3 in a gripping semi-final of the qualifying tournament in Ismailia, Egypt on Friday.
The high-stakes encounter, played in front of an energetic crowd, delivered a dramatic turnaround as Pakistan staged a late surge to book their place in the global showpiece. The victory ensured that the national side will return to the sport’s premier tournament after missing the previous edition.. The contest proved to be fiercely competitive, with both teams trading momentum throughout the match.