Earlier today in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Pakistan men’s national hockey team surged into the next stage of the road to the men’s competition of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 after registering two resounding victories in their play-off series against Bangladesh.
Following the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Executive Board decision, Pakistan — who were unable to take part in the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 through force majeure — were matched against the sixth-placed team from the Asia Cup, Bangladesh. The winner of this best-of-three series in Dhaka would earn the right to advance into the World Cup Qualification tournaments in 2026.
Pakistan delivered with authority — winning the first match with an 8-2 scoreline, followed by an 8-0 win in the second match played earlier today — thus claiming the series and booking their place in the next phase which will be held in the early months of 2026.
With the play-off secured, Pakistan will join the field of teams contesting qualification for the 2026 World Cup, keeping their hopes alive of returning to the sport’s pinnacle event.
World Cup Qualification
The following nine teams have already qualified for the men’s Hockey World Cup: Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Australia and Spain qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Argentina secured qualification through the Pan American Cup, Germany qualified from the Eurohockey Championship, New Zealand qualified through the Oceania Cup, India qualified through the Asia Cup and South Africa qualified via the Africa Cup of Nations. The remaining seven teams will qualify through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.
Pakistan have now become the 16th team to qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 joining: USA, Canada, Chile, France, England, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Egypt.
The following nine teams have already qualified for the women’s Hockey World Cup: Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured qualification through the Pan American Cup, Spain qualified from the Eurohockey Championship, New Zealand qualified through the Oceania Cup, China qualified through the Asia Cup and South Africa qualified via the Africa Cup of Nations. The remaining seven teams will qualify through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.
The following 16 women’s teams will compete at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, Korea and Malaysia.
