ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed the official match schedule for the upcoming 16-team tournament, with Pakistan set to begin its campaign on the opening day.
Pakistan will face England on August 15 in Amstelveen. The team will then play Wales on August 17, before taking on arch-rivals India in what is expected to be the highlight of the group stage on August 19.
The schedule follows the official pool draw conducted earlier this week at Wagener Stadium. The ceremony was attended by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice-President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, along with head coaches and captains from the Belgian and Dutch teams, among other dignitaries.
Pakistan Hockey Team – FIH World Cup Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 15 | England | 10:00 PM | Amstelveen (Netherlands) |
| August 17 | Wales | 3:30 PM | Amstelveen (Netherlands) |
| August 19 | India | 6:00 PM | Amstelveen (Netherlands) |
The tournament features 16 teams divided into four pools of four. Pool A includes co-hosts Netherlands, Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand. Pool B features co-hosts Belgium, defending champions Germany, France, and Malaysia.
Pool C consists of Australia, Spain, Ireland, and South Africa. Pool D places Pakistan alongside India, England, and Wales. The FIH competition format requires that the two best teams from each pool proceed to the next round, which creates a total of eight advancing teams.
The two groups of teams will separate into two distinct pools. The top teams from Pools A and D will enter Pool E, while Pool F will comprise the top teams from Pools B and C.
Rs1.5 million reward for Pakistan Hockey players
Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced a reward of Rs 1.5 million for each player of the national hockey team.
This announcement was made in recognition of the team’s outstanding performance in the Hockey World Cup qualifying matches.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House, the move is not only aimed at appreciating the players’ hard work and commitment to the game but is also an important step towards the promotion of hockey in Pakistan.
The statement said that the participation of the national hockey team in the World Cup qualifying matches created excitement among hockey fans, while this award is a clear recognition of the players’ determination and perseverance.
Earlier, the Pakistan national hockey team had thrashed Japan in the semifinal of the Hockey World Cup Qualifier to qualify for the Hockey World Cup 2026 after the eight years hiatus.
The Green Shirts won the match 4-3 against Japan at the qualifier match played in Ismailia, Egypt, on Friday.
At the outset of the game, Muhammad Imad scored to give Pakistan an early lead in the first quarter. Japan scored two consecutive goals, finishing the third quarter with 3-1.
In the fourth and final quarter, Pakistan made an impressive comeback with three goals to win the match. Abu Bakr Mahmood, Afraz, and Sufyan Khan turned the match around.
In the third last minute, a crucial penalty stroke saved by Goalkeeper Ali Raza was also a turning moment in the game for Pakistan.
This triumph ensures Pakistan’s return to the Hockey World Cup for the first time since 2018, delighting fans and marking a significant milestone for the team.
Player of the Match Mohammad Ammad said that it was a combined effort of the entire team. “We will try to do well in the final against England as well and win the tournament,” he stated.
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi, while congratulating the national hockey team on qualifying for the World Cup, said that the players performed brilliantly and this success is the result of teamwork and hard work.
He said that the performance of all the players, including captain Imad Shakeel Butt, is commendable, and it is hoped that the national team will bring more happiness to the nation by winning the final.
