The Pakistan men's national field hockey team has qualified for the Hockey World Cup after eight years by defeating Japan men's national field hockey team 4–3 in a thrilling semifinal of the qualifiers being played in Egypt.
Pakistan secured the dramatic victory thanks to goalkeeper Ali Raza, who made a crucial save by stopping a penalty stroke late in the match.
Japan was awarded the penalty stroke just four minutes before the end of the match, but Ali Raza’s decisive save helped Pakistan hold on to the lead and secure an important win.
For Pakistan, goals were scored by Sufyan Khan, Abu Muhammad, Muhammad Imad and Afraz.
By winning the semifinal of the qualifiers, Pakistan have booked their place in the Hockey World Cup after an eight-year gap. The national team last played in the tournament in 2018 and failed to qualify for the most recent edition.
The Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 14 to August 30, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by Belgium and Netherlands.
