Pakistan defeat Japan 4-3 in thrilling FIH Hockey World Cup match 

Amsterdam (Web Desk): Pakistan fought back from a two-goal deficit to beat Japan 4-3 in an action-packed FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 encounter in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Japan began the contest on the front foot and took the lead in the seventh minute when Hyota Yamada converted his opportunity.

The Japanese side strengthened its position eight minutes later, with Kaito Tanaka scoring in the 15th minute to make it 2-0.

Pakistan gradually found its rhythm and launched a strong response in the second quarter. Rana Waheed Ashraf put Pakistan on the scoresheet in the 22nd minute before striking again in the 32nd minute, bringing the game level at 2-2.

The momentum quickly shifted in Pakistan’s favour as Hammaduddin Muhammad scored just a minute later, in the 33rd minute, to complete the comeback and give Pakistan a 3-2 advantage.

Japan refused to surrender and restored parity in the 36th minute through Koji Yamasaki, making the score 3-3.

Pakistan, however, delivered another decisive blow five minutes later when Shahid Hannan found the net in the 41st minute to put his team back in front.

Japan intensified its attacking efforts during the final stages, hoping to force a late equalizer, but Pakistan’s defense remained organized and successfully protected its narrow lead until the final whistle.

The victory marked an important result for Pakistan in a tightly contested World Cup fixture.

Rana Waheed Ashraf scored twice for Pakistan in the 22nd and 32nd minutes, while Hammaduddin Muhammad netted in the 33rd minute and Shahid Hannan scored in the 41st.

Japan’s goals were scored by Hyota Yamada in the seventh minute, Kaito Tanaka in the 15th and Koji Yamasaki in the 36th minute.