Pakistan face stern test on FIH World Cup return

Former hockey greats aim to revive their legacy as they meet tough group opponents

Pakistan will return to the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 determined to revive its rich hockey legacy after missing the previous edition of the tournament.

The four-time world champions last featured at the 2018 Hockey World Cup before failing to qualify for the 2023 edition, making this year's tournament a significant milestone for a nation once regarded as the sport's dominant force.

Pakistan remains the most successful team in the history of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, having lifted the trophy four times (1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994). However, the Green-shirts have endured a lengthy wait for another title, with their last triumph coming more than three decades ago.

Most successful teams in FIH Men's Hockey World Cup history

• Pakistan – 4 titles (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994) 

• Netherlands – 3 titles (1973, 1990, 1998) 

• Australia – 3 titles (1986, 2010, 2014) 

• Germany – 3 titles (2002, 2006, 2023) 

• Belgium – 1 title (2018) 

• India – 1 title (1975) 

The 2026 edition features 16 teams, divided into four pools of four.

Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the second stage. Teams will carry forward the points earned against fellow qualifiers before playing two additional matches against new opponents.

The top two teams from each second-stage group will progress to the semi-finals, while the remaining teams will compete in the classification matches.

Pakistan have been drawn in a challenging Pool D alongside England, India and Wales, with two traditional rivals and one emerging European side standing between them and a place in the next phase.

FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 pools

Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan

Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia

Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa

Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales

Pakistan begin their campaign against England on August 15, before taking on Wales two days later.

Their final pool match comes against arch-rivals India on August 19, a fixture expected to be one of the standout contests of the group stage.

Pakistan's group-stage fixtures (Pakistan Standard Time)

• August 15: Pakistan vs England – 10:00 PM 

• August 17: Pakistan vs Wales – 3:30 PM 

• August 19: Pakistan vs India – 6:00 PM 

On the opening day India will also take on Wales and Germany will be pitted against Malaysia.

Also reigning champions Germany, Olympic heavyweights Belgium, three-time champions Australia, and former winners Netherlands will all begin their campaigns over the opening weekend.

The knockout stages begin after the completion of the second group phase, with the semi-finals scheduled for August 28. The third-place playoff and final will be held on August 30.

For Pakistan, qualification alone marks an important step after years of disappointment on the international stage.

The Green-shirts have struggled to match the standards that once made them the most successful team in the World Cup history, missing two of the last three editions before securing their place at this year's tournament.

Now, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, Pakistan will hope their return to the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup signals the beginning of a resurgence.

A positive start against England could provide the momentum needed ahead of crucial matches against Wales and India, as Pakistan chase a place in the second stage and seek to restore their reputation among world hockey's elite.