Amstelveen, August 22, 2026: Pakistan ended a 16-year wait for a victory at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup with a thrilling 4–3 comeback win over Japan in the classification stage at the Wagener Stadium.
The Green Shirts fell two goals behind early in the match but produced a strong response to turn the game around. The victory marked Pakistan’s first Hockey World Cup win since 2010.
Japan Take Early Control
Japan made the stronger start and quickly put Pakistan under pressure.
Hyota Yamada opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Kaito Tanaka doubled Japan’s advantage in the 15th minute.
Pakistan were suddenly 2–0 down, but the team refused to lose control of the contest.
Pakistan Launch Comeback
Pakistan began to find more space in attack during the second quarter.
Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one goal back in the 22nd minute, giving Pakistan fresh momentum before halftime.
The real turnaround came after the break.
Ashraf scored his second goal in the 32nd minute to bring Pakistan level at 2–2. Just a minute later, Hammadudin Muhammad completed the comeback by putting Pakistan ahead for the first time.
Japan responded quickly.
Koji Yamasaki scored in the 36th minute to make it 3–3, setting up a tense final quarter.
Hannan Shahid Delivers the Winner
Pakistan found the decisive goal in the 41st minute.
Hannan Shahid put the Green Shirts back in front with a composed finish, making the score 4–3.
Japan pushed hard for another equaliser during the closing stages. Pakistan’s defence came under sustained pressure, but the Green Shirts held firm until the final whistle.
A Victory 16 Years in the Making
The result ended Pakistan’s long wait for a Hockey World Cup victory.
Their previous World Cup win came in 2010, when Pakistan defeated Spain 2–1. The team later missed the 2014 tournament and returned to the World Cup in 2018 without winning a match.
Pakistan returned to the 2026 World Cup after an eight-year absence, making the victory over Japan an important moment for the team and its supporters.
Pakistan Still Fighting in the Classification Stage
The victory does not put Pakistan back into contention for the World Cup title.
Pakistan missed out on the next stage after losing to England and India and drawing 3–3 with Wales in the opening phase. The team is therefore competing in the 9th–16th place classification matches.
Still, the comeback against Japan provides a major confidence boost.
After conceding two early goals, Pakistan scored four times and showed the fighting spirit that has long been associated with the country’s hockey tradition.
Final Score
Pakistan 4–3 Japan
Pakistan scorers:
- Rana Waheed Ashraf — 22′, 32′
- Hammadudin Muhammad — 33′
- Hannan Shahid — 41′
Japan scorers:
- Hyota Yamada — 7′
- Kaito Tanaka — 15′
- Koji Yamasaki — 36′
Pakistan will now look to build on this victory and finish their World Cup campaign strongly.
