Pakistan Returns to the World Cup: The Green Shirts Ready to Chase Hockey Glory Again
Four-Time World Champions Are Back — Can Pakistan Reclaim Its Place Among Hockey’s Elite?
By Asim Siddiqui | Washington, D.C.
After an eight-year absence from hockey’s biggest stage, Pakistan is back.
The Green Shirts have qualified for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026, ending years of disappointment and giving millions of hockey fans renewed hope that one of the sport’s greatest nations can once again compete with the world’s best.
For a country that has won four Hockey World Cups, three Olympic gold medals, and produced some of the greatest players in hockey history, this return is about much more than qualification—it’s about restoring pride, rebuilding confidence, and reviving a glorious legacy.
A Dramatic Road Back
Pakistan secured qualification by finishing second at the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup Qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt.
The campaign showcased determination, resilience, and belief.
Victories over China (5-4), Malaysia (5-3), and Austria (4-2) earned Pakistan a semifinal showdown against Japan.
With World Cup qualification hanging in the balance, Pakistan found themselves trailing 3-1 before producing one of the tournament’s greatest comebacks. Three goals in the final eight minutes secured a memorable victory and booked Pakistan’s place in its 14th FIH Hockey World Cup.
Although England defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the final, qualification had already been achieved.
A Legacy Few Nations Can Match
Pakistan remains the most successful nation in Hockey World Cup history.
Major Achievements
🏆 4× FIH Hockey World Cup Champions (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994)
🥇 3× Olympic Gold Medalists
🥈 3× Olympic Silver Medalists
🥉 2× Olympic Bronze Medalists
🏆 3× Asia Cup Champions
🏆 3× Champions Trophy Winners
🏆 3× Asian Champions Trophy Champions
For decades, Pakistan changed the way hockey was played through dazzling stick work, breathtaking speed, and unmatched attacking flair.
Learning From Difficult Times
Pakistan’s recent journey has not been easy.
The Green Shirts endured a difficult 2025–26 FIH Hockey Pro League, losing all sixteen matches and suffering relegation.
However, those results do not tell the complete story.
Pakistan pushed several of the world’s strongest teams to the limit, narrowly losing to Argentina, Australia, England, and India. Those performances showed clear signs of improvement despite disappointing results.
Penalty-corner specialists Sufyan Khan and Abu Mahmood scored five goals each during the campaign, while talented forward Waheed Ashraf Rana added five field goals.
International Coaching Brings Fresh Hope
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has strengthened its coaching structure by appointing experienced Dutch professionals.
Coaching Staff
Herman Kruis – High Performance Advisor
Bob Veldhof – Head Coach
Christopher Bowen – Assistant Coach
Adnan Zakir – Assistant Coach
Their international experience is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s preparation for the World Cup.
Pakistan Squad
Captain Mahmood Abu leads a balanced squad that combines experience with exciting young talent.
Key players include:
Abu Mahmood (Captain)
Sufyan Khan
Waheed Ashraf Rana
Afraz
Shahid Hannan
Hayat Zikriya
Liaqat Arshad
Butt Ammad
Shakeel Moin
Abdul Rahman
Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Waqar and Raza Ali.
The Challenge Ahead
Pakistan has been placed in one of the toughest groups of the tournament.
Pool D
England
India
Pakistan
Wales
Every match will be critical as Pakistan fights for a place in the knockout rounds.
A Nation’s Dream
Pakistan enters the tournament as an underdog, but history reminds the hockey world never to underestimate the Green Shirts.
While recent years have been difficult, qualification itself marks the beginning of a new chapter. With experienced coaches, talented young players, and millions of supporters behind them, Pakistan has an opportunity to show that its proud hockey tradition is far from over.
Whether the Green Shirts can lift the trophy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Pakistan’s return to the Hockey World Cup is already one of the biggest stories of FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.
Report: Asim Siddiqui
**Washington, D.C
