Pakistan ended a 16-year wait for a Hockey World Cup victory by defeating Japan 4-3 in their classification match at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen.
Japan made a strong start and took a 2-0 lead in the opening quarter. Hyota Yamada scored in the seventh minute before Kaito Tanaka doubled Japan’s advantage in the 15th minute.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter. Rana Waheed Ashraf scored twice, in the 22nd and 32nd minutes, to bring the score level at 2-2.
A minute later, Hammaduddin Muhammad put Pakistan ahead 3-2. Japan equalised through Koji Yamasaki in the 36th minute.
Pakistan then regained the lead when Hannan Shahid scored the decisive goal in the 41st minute. Japan pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Pakistan's defence held firm to secure the 4-3 victory.
The victory marks Pakistan’s first World Cup win since 2010, when they defeated Spain. Pakistan missed the 2014 edition and went without a victory at the 2018 tournament, while they failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup.
