Amstelveen, August 24, 2026: New Zealand defeated Pakistan 4-2 in the 9th-16th place classification match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 at Wagener Stadium on Monday, ending Pakistan’s hopes of finishing ninth in the tournament.
New Zealand made a sensational start, taking the lead just 20 seconds into the match through a field goal by Dylan Thomas.
The early advantage remained intact until the end of the first quarter before Scott Boyde doubled New Zealand’s lead in the 16th minute. George Baker then scored in the 22nd minute to put New Zealand firmly in control and give them a 3-0 advantage at halftime.
Pakistan mounted a strong fightback in the third quarter. Sufyan Khan pulled one goal back in the 33rd minute before Afraz scored five minutes later to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and revive Pakistan’s hopes of completing a comeback.
New Zealand, however, regained control in the final quarter when Kane Russell converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute to restore the two-goal advantage.
Pakistan pressed for another goal in the closing stages, while New Zealand also created opportunities to extend their lead, but neither side managed to score again as New Zealand secured a 4-2 victory.
The result saw New Zealand finish top of Pool G with nine points and qualify for the ninth-place playoff, where they will face Ireland at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Belgium on Friday.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will play South Africa in the 11th/12th position match at Wagener Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan had endured a difficult run in the main round of the tournament, suffering defeats against England and arch-rivals India while earning only one point from a 3-3 draw against Wales.
The result meant Pakistan failed to advance to the next stage and entered the classification matches under the tournament format.
The Green Shirts began their classification campaign with a 4-3 victory over Japan on Saturday. The win was particularly significant as it ended Pakistan’s 16-year wait for a World Cup victory.
Pakistan’s previous World Cup win had come in the 2010 edition, when they defeated Spain 2-1. The victory over Japan therefore marked their first World Cup triumph since that match.
