Metro53 - Lahore (Web Desk) – Pakistan has successfully qualified for the 2026 Hockey World Cup after a thrilling victory in the semi-final of the World Cup Hockey Qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Ali Raza played a crucial role by saving a penalty stroke, ensuring Pakistan’s win. In the semi-final held in Egypt, Pakistan defeated Japan in a tense match to secure their place in the World Cup. Four minutes before the end of the match, Japan was awarded a penalty stroke, which Ali Raza brilliantly saved, taking Pakistan to the final and confirming their qualification.
Goals for Pakistan were scored by Sufiyan Khan, Abu Muhammad, Muhammad Imad, and Afraz. The 2026 Hockey World Cup will begin on August 14 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Pakistan had failed to qualify for the previous World Cup and last participated in the 2018 edition.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the national hockey team on qualifying, praising the players for their outstanding performance and hard work that ended an eight-year absence from the World Cup.
He added that the success reflects teamwork and the talent present in Pakistan hockey. Naqvi specifically commended captain Imad Shakeel Butt and all team members for their exceptional performance, expressing hope that the national team will win the final and return home victorious.
