Pakistan staged a stirring comeback to edge Japan 4-3 in a high-intensity semi-final at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium, securing qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.
The result sends Pakistan back to hockey’s premier global competition for the first time in eight years, with the 2026 edition set to be co-hosted by Belgium and Netherlands in August.
Japan threatened early when Tsubasa Tanaka broke through on goal, only to miss the target with a lifted effort. Pakistan responded swiftly, taking the lead in the ninth minute through Ammad Butt. His initial strike was kept out by Takumi Kitagawa, but a fortunate rebound off the post allowed Butt to react first and finish from close range.
The Japanese side pressed hard for a response, earning multiple penalty corners but finding Pakistan’s defense resolute—most notably through a crucial goal-line intervention by Arshad Liaqat. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 21st minute, as Ryoma Ooka redirected the ball into the net to restore parity before halftime.
After the interval, Japan seized control. Shota Yamada converted a drag flick in the 35th minute to put his side ahead, and six minutes later, Koji capitalized on defensive hesitation to extend the advantage, calmly finishing at the left post after Pakistan failed to clear a dangerous aerial ball.
With the contest slipping away, Pakistan found renewed urgency—helped by Japan being reduced to ten players following a late yellow card. Abu Mahmood reignited hopes in the 52nd minute with a thunderous drag flick straight down the middle. Moments later, Sufyan Khan leveled the score with another powerful effort that squeezed past both goalkeeper and defender.
Pakistan completed the turnaround in the 57th minute when Afraz produced a deft deflection from open play, capping a remarkable fightback.
Japan had one final opportunity to force a shootout after being awarded a penalty stroke in the closing stages. However, goalkeeper Ali Raza rose to the occasion, blocking the attempt with an outstretched right foot to preserve Pakistan’s lead and seal a dramatic victory.
The win marked Pakistan’s fourth straight success in the qualifiers, following an unbeaten run in the group stage. They will now meet England in the final, scheduled at the same venue.
Once a powerhouse of international hockey with four World Cup triumphs, Pakistan have endured a challenging period in recent years—failing to qualify for multiple editions, including 2014, finishing last in 2018, and missing out again in 2023. This qualification signals a potential resurgence for a nation eager to reclaim its legacy on the world stage.
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