New Zealand kicked off their Nations Cup title defence with a victory over Scotland in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday, while Japan came from behind to record a convincing win over Malaysia.

With a win and a draw from their opening two matches, Japan now lead the Pool A standings. New Zealand sit second after collecting all three points from their first outing.

Malaysia 1 – 4 Japan

Malaysian captain Marhan Jalil celebrated his 350th cap for his country, but there was little to smile about as Japan came from behind to claim a convincing victory.

Malaysia enjoyed much of the early possession and struck first when the Japanese defence switched off, allowing a beautiful ball into the circle from Faiz Jali to find the perfect touch from a diving Faizal Saari for a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute. Just a few minutes later, the Malaysians threatened again as Akhimullah Anuar dispossessed a Japanese defender and nearly doubled the advantage, only to put his shot wide. Japan settled as the quarter progressed and created several chances of their own, but none good enough to make an impact on the scoresheet.

Japan played with far more intent in the second quarter and came close to finding the equaliser while Malaysia were down a player, but Naru Kimura's powerful reverse-stick strike sailed over the crossbar. The first penalty corner of the match went Japan’s way, and Hyoto Yamada made no mistake with a low, hard drag past the keeper’s left to square things up three and a half minutes before half-time. Not done yet, a turnover in midfield sparked another swift Japanese attack in the 29th minute, and after some excellent team play, Kazumasa Matsumoto was on hand to tap home and give his side a 2-1 lead at the break.

The goalless third quarter was a scrappy one, but Japan continued to look by far the more dangerous team. Malaysia's defence remained composed under pressure and did well to keep the deficit to one. That changed in the final quarter, though. Another impressive team move ended with Tsubasa Tanaka applying a diving finish for Japan's third goal in the 50th minute, and the fourth followed just five minutes later. After a series of re-awarded penalty corners, Raiki Fujishima squeezed a drag flick through the post player's legs to put the result beyond doubt and seal a 4-1 victory.

Japan’s Kazumasa Matsumoto was named Player of the Match and said: “We could make many goal-scoring opportunities with high-speed attacking. So that's why we could score many goals. We're happy to win today's game.”

New Zealand 1 - 0 Scotland

Twice defending champions New Zealand kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Scotland.

An energetic start saw early opportunities at both ends of the pitch. Scotland had their drag flick booted clear by Dominic Dixon in the second minute before the Black Sticks stepped up to apply tremendous pressure. They won numerous turnovers with their tight press, and Scottish goalkeeper Thomas Alexander had to make two great saves and then an exceptional double save to keep them out.

There was a brief lull in the action at the start of the second quarter before New Zealand again assumed control. Alexander was on fire though, and on the single occasion he was beaten, his post-man Jamie Golden saved the day, clearing the drag flick with time up on a goalless first half.

Scotland managed to tighten up in midfield and relieve some pressure through the second half, although the Kiwis continued to dominate both possession and territory. The points remained up for grabs until the 56^th minute when New Zealand finally breached the resolute Scottish defence. Their penalty corner initially went wrong, but they managed to recycle to Scott Boyde at the top of the circle. He drove the ball six inches above the ground towards Dylan Thomas, who stretched out his left arm to complete an excellent reverse stick deflection and secure the win.

Debutant Ryan Parr was named the Player of the Match for New Zealand and said, “It was a great game. Scotland put on a great performance, their keeper was unbelievable in both halves, so just happy to get the W at the end of the day.”

To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, click here.

FIH Hockey Nations Cup – 12 June 2026

Hartleyvale Stadium, Cape Town (RSA)

Result: Match 5

Malaysia 1 - 4 Japan

Player of the match: Kazumasa Matsumoto (JPN)

Umpires: Munashe Mashoko (ZIM), Alex Miles (CAN), Aziz Adimah (GHA-video)

Result: Match 6

New Zealand 1 - 0 Scotland

Player of the match: Ryan Parr (NZL)

Umpires: Chad Fourie (RSA), Rob Argent (IRL), Peter Kabaso (KEN-video)