Pakistan have qualified for the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup after eight years, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Japan in the semi-final of the qualifying round, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday.
The high-intensity match was played in Ismailia, Egypt, where Pakistan edged past Japan by 4–3 to secure a place in the final and confirm qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Japan dominated much of the contest and held a commanding 3–1 lead by the end of the third quarter, putting Pakistan under immense pressure.
However, the Green Shirts produced a stunning turnaround in the final quarter, scoring three consecutive goals to snatch victory from the brink of defeat.
Most of the credit goes to goalkeeper Ali Raza, who saved a crucial penalty stroke in the dying minutes of the match.
With just four minutes remaining before the final whistle, Japan earned a penalty stroke that could have changed the outcome of the closely contested semi-final.
However, Ali Raza produced a vital save to deny the Japanese side, preserving Pakistan’s narrow lead and ultimately ensuring victory for the Pakistan men's national field hockey team.
Pakistan’s goals came through Muhammad Imad, Abubakar Mahmood, Sufyan Khan and Muhammad Afraz, each contributing one goal to complete the dramatic comeback.
The victory ended Pakistan’s long wait to return to the global showpiece event, with the national side having last appeared in the 2018 edition of the tournament.
Pakistan failed to qualify for the previous World Cup, making this achievement particularly significant for the country’s hockey revival.
Following the semi-final triumph, Pakistan will now face England in the final of the qualifying tournament.