Pakistan produced a performance to defeat Japan 4–3 in a thrilling semi-final of the Hockey World Cup Qualifiers being played in Egypt, securing qualification for the Hockey World Cup after eight years.
With this victory, Pakistan also advanced to the final of the qualifying tournament.
Goalkeeper Ali Raza played a crucial role in the match by saving a penalty stroke just four minutes before the final whistle, denying Japan a chance to equalize and ensuring Pakistan’s important victory.
Sufyan Khan, Abu Muhammad, Muhammad Imad and Afraz scored the goals for Pakistan in the intense contest.
With this win, Pakistan have qualified for the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, marking their return to the global event for the first time since 2018, as the national team failed to qualify for the previous World Cup.
The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 will be held from 14 to 30 August in Belgium and the Netherlands.