Ismailia, March 6, 2026: Pakistan national field hockey team secured a dramatic 4–3 victory over Japan national field hockey team to qualify for the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium on Friday.
The Green Shirts made an aggressive start to the high-stakes semi-final, with captain Ammad Butt opening the scoring in the ninth minute through a superb field goal.
Pakistan maintained the lead until the second quarter, when Ryoma Ooka equalised for Japan in the 21st minute.
Japan then gained momentum in the penultimate quarter as Shota Yamada and Koji Yamasaki scored in quick succession, giving their side a 3–1 advantage.
However, Pakistan staged a stunning comeback in the final quarter. Abu Mahmood scored in the 52nd minute, followed by goals from Sufyan Khan in the 55th minute and Afraz in the 57th minute to turn the match around.
Japan pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Pakistan’s defence held firm to secure the victory at the final whistle.
The win marked Pakistan’s fourth consecutive victory in the tournament, with the team finishing the group stage unbeaten. Pakistan began their campaign with a 5–4 win over China national field hockey team, highlighted by a brace from Rana Waheed.
They followed it up with a 5–3 victory over Malaysia national field hockey team, before defeating Austria national field hockey team 4–2, with Abu Mahmood scoring twice.
Pakistan will now face England national field hockey team in the final of the qualifiers, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Saturday.
