Green Shirts pulled off sensational comeback at 2026 Hockey World Cup to end 16-year wait for a World Cup victory with a thrilling 4-3 win over Japan.
Men in Green looked down and out after Japan raced to 2-0 lead at Wagner Stadium but Pakistan dramatically turned the contest around in the classification match for 9th to 16th positions. Hyota Yamada and Kaito Tanaka struck for Japan in the opening quarter as Pakistan endured a nightmare start.
Rana Waheed Ashraf then sparked Pakistan’s revival by pulling one back in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to 2-1 before the first half ended with Japan still holding the advantage.
Pakistan came out firing after the break. Just two minutes into the third quarter Rana Waheed Ashraf scored again to make it 2-2 and complete his brace. The momentum swung completely in Pakistan’s favour when Muhammad Hammaduddin struck just a minute later to put the Green Shirts ahead 3-2.
Japan refused to surrender and quickly restored parity through Koji Yamasaki two minutes later as the score moved to 3-3.
With the match finely balanced Hannan Shahid produced the decisive moment in the 40th minute. His goal put Pakistan 4-3 ahead and gave the Green Shirts a lead they would not surrender.
Japan launched repeated attacks during the closing stages in search of an equaliser but Pakistan’s defence held firm. The final whistle triggered a huge moment of relief and celebration as Pakistan secured their first Hockey World Cup victory in 16 years.
The victory carries enormous significance for Pakistan hockey. The national team had last tasted success at the Hockey World Cup in 2010 when Pakistan defeated Spain 2-1. Since then the wait continued. Pakistan failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and returned to the tournament in 2018 but could not register a single victory.
The 2026 edition therefore marked not only Pakistan’s return to the global stage but also the end of one of the longest winless runs in the team’s World Cup history.
Pakistan entered the 2026 World Cup after an eight-year absence but struggled in the main round. The South Asian nation suffered defeats against England and their traditional rivals while their encounter with Wales ended in a 3-3 draw.
With just one point from the main round Pakistan failed to progress and were pushed into the classification battle for 9th to 16th positions.
Pakistan Crash Out of Hockey World Cup After 5-3 Defeat to India
