The FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 will see Pakistan return to the tournament, aiming to reclaim their historic success with a squad of seasoned players and emerging talent.
The FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 is poised to mark Pakistan’s return to the sport’s premier event after their absence from the 2023 edition. As four-time world champions, the Green Shirts are determined to revive their illustrious past with a squad that blends experienced campaigners and promising young talents.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has officially announced a 20-member squad for the tournament, which will take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to August 30, 2026. Pakistan secured their spot in the World Cup by finishing as runners-up at the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup Qualifier held in Ismailia, Egypt.
In Pool D, Pakistan will face formidable opponents, including India, England, and Wales. Their campaign kicks off against England on August 15, followed by a match against Wales on August 17, and a highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals India on August 19. The match between India and Pakistan is expected to be one of the most significant highlights of the pool stage, as both teams vie for advancement to the next round.
Here’s an overview of the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tournament:
Team: Pakistan
Nickname: Green Shirts
Squad Size: 20 players
World Ranking: 12th
Head Coach: Bob Johan Veldhof
Assistant Coaches: Christopher John Bowen, Adnan Zakir
National Coaching Advisor: Herman Kruis
Manager: Muhammad Owais Qarni
World Cup Qualification: Runners-up, 2026 World Cup Qualifier
World Cup Titles: 4
Pakistan holds the record for the most titles in Men’s Hockey World Cup history, having lifted the trophy four times: in 1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994.
The full squad for the 2026 World Cup includes:
Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Arshad Liaquat, Adeel Latif, Ahmed Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Imad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Hammaduddin Anjum, Rehman Abdul, Afraz, Omar Mustafa, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ali Raza, Abdul Matan, and Muhammad Imad.
Imad Shakeel Butt, one of the most experienced players in the squad, has been appointed as captain. His extensive international experience and leadership qualities are expected to guide the relatively young team throughout the tournament.
Pakistan’s history in the Men’s Hockey World Cup is remarkable, with four championship titles to their name. Their victories came in:
1971 in Barcelona, 1978 in Buenos Aires, 1982 in Mumbai, and 1994 in Sydney.
In Pool D, Pakistan will compete against three challenging teams:
1. India
2. England
3. Wales
The top two teams from this pool will advance to the next phase, making each of Pakistan’s matches critical for their progression.
The fixtures for Pakistan in the Hockey World Cup 2026 are as follows:
August 15: England vs Pakistan at 10:30 PM IST
August 17: Pakistan vs Wales at 4:00 PM IST
August 19: Pakistan vs India at 6:30 PM IST
All matches will be held at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
With a blend of experience and youthful energy, Pakistan aims to make a significant impact in the 2026 World Cup, as they strive to add to their storied legacy in international hockey, according to The Sunday Guardian.