AMSTELVEEN, Netherlands: Pakistan’s campaign at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 came to an end after a 5–3 defeat against arch-rivals India in their final Pool D match on August 19. The result eliminated Pakistan from the tournament, while India advanced to the second round.
India started strongly, taking a 3–0 lead before Pakistan responded with two goals. Harmanpreet Singh scored twice for India, while Abhishek also netted two goals. Hardik Singh added India’s fifth goal from a penalty stroke.
Pakistan fought until the final whistle, with Hannan Shahid scoring twice and Sufyan Khan adding another goal. However, India’s defence held firm in the closing stages to secure the 5–3 victory.
Pakistan’s exit ends its World Cup campaign, while India finished second in Pool D with six points and moved into the next stage. The match also marked another chapter in one of hockey’s most historic rivalries.
