AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Japan 4-3 in the Group G classification stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, ending a 16-year wait for a World Cup victory.
Japan made a flying start at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, scoring twice in the opening quarter. Hyota Yamada put Japan ahead in the seventh minute before Kaito Tanaka doubled the advantage in the 15th minute.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter, with Rana Waheed Ashraf scoring in the 22nd minute. He struck again in the 32nd minute to level the contest at 2-2. Hammaduddin Muhammad then completed Pakistan’s comeback by scoring in the 33rd minute to put the Green Shirts ahead.
Japan quickly restored parity through Koji Yamasaki, who converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute to make it 3-3.
Pakistan, however, remained composed under pressure. Hannan Shahid scored the decisive goal in the 41st minute to give Pakistan a 4-3 lead. Japan created several opportunities late in the match, but Pakistan’s goalkeeper and defence held firm to secure the victory.
The win is particularly significant as Pakistan had last won a Hockey World Cup match in 2010, when they defeated Spain 2-1. The team is now competing in the classification stage for ninth to 16th place after failing to advance from the opening round.
Pakistan had earlier lost to England and India while drawing 3-3 with Wales.
