KARACHI (Kashmir English): The final match of the Hockey World Cup 2026 qualifiers, featuring Pakistan and England, is scheduled to start at 11:00pm Pakistan Standard Time.
Pakistan has secured its spot for the 2026 Hockey World Cup after a thrilling win over Japan in the semi-final Pakistan has won the semi-final of the World Cup Hockey Qualifiers by defeating Japan 4-3.
The 2026 Hockey World Cup is scheduled to start from August 14 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Pakistan has not participated in the Hockey World Cup since 2018, and this is a significant achievement for the national team. Pakistan and England have been unbeaten throughout the tournament, and the final is expected to be a closely contested and exciting encounter.
The semi-final between Pakistan and Japan saw Pakistan emerge as winners by coming from behind in the tense encounter.
Four minutes before the final whistle, Japan was awarded a penalty stroke, which Pakistan’s goalkeeper Ali Raza saved brilliantly, securing Pakistan’s spot in the final and the World Cup.
Pakistan’s goals were scored by Sufiyan Khan, Abu Muhammad, Imad, and Afraz. Pakistan had failed to qualify for the previous World Cup.
