MANCHESTER: Pakistan will return to the FIH Hockey World Cup stage in Belgium and the Netherlands with a glorious past to defend and a new generation determined to restore the Green Shirts to their former place among the world’s elite. Ranked 12th in the world, Pakistan remain one of the most celebrated names in international hockey.
The four-time world champions hold the record for the most World Cup titles, one ahead of Australia, Germany and the Netherlands, while their three Olympic gold medals further underline a legacy built on skill, flair, attacking hockey and generations of exceptional players. For a country that missed the previous World Cup in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela in 2023, qualification for the 2026 edition carries particular significance. Pakistan secured their return through a dramatic campaign at the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup Qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt.
The Green Shirts began their qualification journey with a thrilling 5-4 victory over China before overcoming Malaysia 5-3 and Austria 4-2 to reach the semi-finals. The decisive encounter against Japan proved to be the defining moment of their campaign. Pakistan appeared to be heading towards disappointment after falling 3-1 behind, but produced a remarkable late fightback, scoring three goals in the final eight minutes to turn the match on its head. Abu Mahmood, Sufyan Khan and Afraz found the net as Pakistan completed an extraordinary comeback and secured their ticket to their 14th World Cup.
England subsequently defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the final, but the result mattered little in the broader context as the Green Shirts had already achieved their principal objective, qualification for hockey’s biggest global tournament. The road to Belgium and the Netherlands, however, has not been without setbacks. Pakistan endured a difficult 2025-26 FIH Hockey Pro League campaign, losing all 16 of their matches and eventually suffering relegation to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for next season. There were, nevertheless, signs of competitiveness.
Pakistan pushed Argentina to a 3-2 result and suffered similarly narrow defeats against Australia, India and England. The 4-3 loss to India and 2-1 defeat against England demonstrated that the Green Shirts were capable of competing with some of the world’s strongest sides. But the campaign also exposed the gap Pakistan still have to bridge.
Their heaviest defeat came against arch-rivals India, who registered a commanding 7-1 victory. Penalty-corner specialists Sufyan Khan and Abu Bakhar Mahmood emerged as important contributors during the campaign, scoring five goals apiece, while forward Waheed Ashraf Rana also scored five times from open play.
Pakistan’s World Cup story, meanwhile, stretches back more than half a century. They won the inaugural World Cup in 1971 and subsequently lifted the trophy in 1978, 1982 and 1994. They also finished runners-up in 1975 and 1990, underlining their extraordinary consistency during the golden years of Pakistan hockey. Their Olympic record is equally distinguished. Pakistan won gold in Rome in 1960, Mexico City in 1968 and Los Angeles in 1984, while also claiming three silver and two bronze medals.
The Green Shirts have also enjoyed considerable success in continental and other international competitions, winning three Asia Cup titles, three Champions Trophy crowns and three Asian Champions Trophy gold medals. Their silver medal at the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup added another achievement to the country’s long international record.
Yet their more recent World Cup performances have highlighted the decline from those glorious years. After finishing 11th in 1986, Pakistan returned to the top two in 1990 and won their fourth title in 1994. They finished fifth in both 1998 and 2002, sixth in 2006, before ending the 2010 and 2018 editions in 12th place.
Their failure to qualify for the 2023 tournament was a major setback. The 2026 World Cup therefore represents more than another appearance for Pakistan. It is an opportunity to reconnect with a tradition that has made the country synonymous with attacking and artistic hockey. The Pakistan Hockey Federation has also strengthened the coaching structure ahead of the tournament.
In July, vastly experienced Dutch coach Herman Kruis was appointed National Coaching Advisor and High Performance Advisor for the World Cup. Kruis, 70, brings extensive international experience to the setup, while fellow Dutchman Bob Veldhof has been listed as head coach.
Christopher Bowen and former Pakistan international Adnan Zakir will serve as assistant coaches. The coaching team will be tasked with blending Pakistan’s traditional flair with the tactical discipline and physical demands of modern international hockey. Pakistan will fight for honour and dignity under new captain Abu Bakhar. “We have sacrificed, shown discipline and demonstrated resilience throughout the journey to the World Cup.
