Pakistan
HockeyWorld Cup 2026
Pakistan returned to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after missing 2023, drawn in Pool D with England, India and Wales. A win over Japan in the classification round gave Pakistan their first Hockey World Cup victory since 2010, closing out 11th overall as four-time champions Germany matched their all-time title record.
Pakistan returned to the FIH Hockey World Cup after missing 2014 and 2023, qualifying as runners-up at this year’s World Cup qualifier for their first appearance since 2018. The 2026 edition ran 15–30 August across Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands, with Pakistan drawn in Pool D alongside England, India and Wales.
For the first time in World Cup history there were no quarter-finals, pool results carrying straight into a crossover stage before the semi-finals. Pakistan finished 11th overall after a classification win over Japan gave them their first World Cup victory since 2010. This page covers the full campaign: schedule, squad, coaching staff, history and every match report.
Group Stage
Pool D – Pakistan’s Group at FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Pakistan play all three pool matches between 15–19 August. Pool standings then decide which crossover pool (E–H) each team drops into for Phase 2, before the semi-finals begin on 27 August.
| # | Country | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  England |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| 2 |  India |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 |  Pakistan |
0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 |  Wales |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Table updated* 16 August 2026 · P=Played W=Won D=Draw L=Lost GF=Goals For GA=Goals Against Pts=Points
Full Schedule
Pakistan Hockey World Cup 2026 Schedule and Match Dates
All three Pool D matches confirmed by FIH. Times below are Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).
Venue split between Wavre (Belgium) and Amstelveen (Netherlands) for individual matches will be confirmed on the official FIH fixture list — this page will be updated as soon as venues are locked per match. From 21 August, Pool D finishers move into crossover Pools E–H, with semi-finals starting 27 August.
Playing Squad
Pakistan Hockey World Cup 2026 Squad
Pakistan Hockey Federation’s official 20-member squad for the World Cup, blending experienced internationals with emerging talent. Abu Bakar Mahmood leads the side as captain after replacing long-serving Ammad Butt, who remains in the squad as a senior player.
Official PHF squad, 20 members. C = Captain. Waqar and Ali Raza named as the two goalkeepers.
Players to Watch
Pakistan Hockey Key Players – World Cup 2026
Pakistan need performers across all three lines to survive Pool D and push into the crossover stage. These are the names that will decide how far they go.
Named captain in late July ahead of the World Cup, replacing 14-year veteran Ammad Butt. How he leads a young-and-experienced mix through the toughest pool at the tournament will define this campaign.
Pakistan’s first-choice keeper heading into the tournament. European pitches in Belgium and Netherlands favour fast attacking play — the keeper will face sustained pressure in every match.
Stripped of the captaincy after 14 years but retained in the squad as a senior player. His experience and composure in midfield remain vital against India and England.
Goals win World Cups. Pakistan need their forward line to convert under pressure — finishing in the big pool matches against India and England is the real test.
Coaching Setup
Pakistan Hockey Coaching Staff 2026
Late reshuffle: Just before the squad departed for the World Cup, PHF moved Herman Kruis — originally announced as head coach — into an adviser role, and promoted goalkeeping coach Bob Johan Veldhof to head coach. Some former players have publicly questioned Veldhof’s lack of head-coaching experience going into the tournament.
Veldhof, a Dutch coach originally brought in to work specifically with Pakistan’s goalkeepers, now leads the team into a World Cup for the first time as head coach. Kruis remains involved as National Hockey Coaching Adviser but will not be full-time with the squad during the tournament.
The Rivalry
Pakistan vs India Hockey – Head to Head at World Cup
Pakistan vs India in field hockey is one of sport’s great rivalries — and Pool D puts them in the same group at the 2026 World Cup, meeting for the first time at this tournament in 16 years. India have dominated the recent head-to-head, winning the last meeting 7-1 in the FIH Pro League in June, with each of India’s seven goals scored by a different player. The last draw between the two sides came back in 2022.
This Pool D meeting on 19 August is Pakistan and India’s first World Cup clash in 16 years, and comes off the back of India’s 7-1 win in the FIH Pro League just weeks earlier. Full historic head-to-head numbers pending FIH data confirmation.
Pakistan vs India is a full article topic on its own. For complete head-to-head stats, classic match recaps, World Cup encounters and the full rivalry history — read our dedicated Pakistan vs India Hockey Head-to-Head article. That is where we go deep on every number.
Live Coverage
How to Watch Pakistan Hockey World Cup 2026 Live in Pakistan
Pakistan matches at the World Cup will be broadcast live. Official broadcaster details are pending PHF confirmation. Here is what we know so far.
Broadcaster details will be updated as confirmed by PHF.
Complete Record
Pakistan at Every FIH Hockey World Cup – Full History
Four-time champions. Two missed editions. One return. Here is every World Cup Pakistan have entered since 1971.
The gap in perspective: Pakistan have not reached a World Cup semi-final since 1994 — their last title. That is 32 years. The decline from four titles to back-to-back non-qualifications is one of world hockey’s starkest stories.
Field hockey’s depth makes this even more remarkable. Belgium, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and others have won World Cups since Pakistan’s last title. The sport moved on. Pakistan are trying to catch up. 2026 is step one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan Hockey World Cup 2026 – Common Questions
Yes. Pakistan qualified by finishing runners-up at the World Cup qualifier earlier this year. It is Pakistan’s return to the World Cup after missing the 2023 edition, and their first appearance since 2018.
Pakistan are in Pool D alongside England, India and Wales. It is arguably the toughest pool at the tournament — England and India are always competitive, and Wales are not a team to underestimate on European turf.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is held across two venues: Wavre in Belgium and Amstelveen in the Netherlands. The tournament runs from 15 to 30 August 2026.
Pakistan have won the FIH Hockey World Cup four times: 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994. They are joint record-holders alongside the Netherlands. Pakistan have not won since 1994 and have not reached a semi-final since that same year.
Official broadcast rights for Pakistan are pending PHF confirmation. Pakistan’s matches kick off at 10:00 PM (vs England, 15 Aug), 3:30 PM (vs Wales, 17 Aug) and 6:00 PM (vs India, 19 Aug) Pakistan Standard Time. The FIH Watch platform and FIH Hockey app stream matches globally where no local broadcaster holds rights. This page will be updated as soon as the Pakistani broadcaster is confirmed.
Bob Johan Veldhof, a Dutch coach originally recruited as Pakistan’s goalkeeping coach, was promoted to head coach just before the squad departed for the tournament. Herman Kruis, initially announced as head coach, now serves as national coaching adviser instead.
Abu Bakar Mahmood was named captain in late July 2026, ending Ammad Butt’s 14-year tenure in the role. Butt remains part of the squad as a senior player.
Yes. Both Pakistan and India are in Pool D and meet on 19 August at 6:00 PM PKT — their first World Cup meeting in 16 years. India go into the fixture on the back of a 7-1 win over Pakistan in the FIH Pro League in June.
Pakistan missed two editions: 2014 (Did Not Qualify) and 2023 (Did Not Qualify). Before that they had played in every World Cup since the inaugural 1971 edition. The back-to-back non-qualifications were the lowest point in Pakistan hockey history for many fans. The 2026 return carries real weight.