Pakistan storms into Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers after dominant playoff win over Bangladesh

The Pakistan men’s national hockey team sealed their place in the next stage of qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after producing three commanding victories over Bangladesh in their best-of-three play-off series.

The series, held in Dhaka, was arranged following a decision by the FIH Executive Board after Pakistan were unable to participate in the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup due to force majeure. As per the ruling, Pakistan were paired against Bangladesh — the sixth-placed team from the Asia Cup — with the winner earning passage to the 2026 World Cup Qualification tournaments.

Pakistan imposed their superiority from the outset, crushing Bangladesh 8-2 in the opening match before asserting complete control with an 8-0 win in the second fixture. They capped the series in style earlier today with a 10-3 triumph, completing a clean sweep and progressing with authority.

The successful play-off now ensures Pakistan’s spot in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for February and March next year — keeping alive their hopes of returning to the sport’s biggest stage.

Global Qualification Picture

Nine teams have already booked their berths at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Hosts Belgium and the Netherlands earned automatic qualification, while Australia and Spain secured spots through the previous editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Argentina qualified via the Pan American Cup, Germany through the EuroHockey Championship, New Zealand through the Oceania Cup, India from the Asia Cup, and South Africa via the Africa Cup of Nations.

The remaining seven teams will emerge from the FIH World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.

With their victory in Dhaka, Pakistan have become the 16th team confirmed for the Qualifiers. They join USA, Canada, Chile, France, England, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Egypt in the race for the final seven World Cup slots.

Pakistan last qualified for the Hockey World Cup in 2018, when the tournament was staged in Bhubaneswar, India. That remains their most recent appearance, as they did not qualify for the 2023 edition.