Amstelveen (Web Desk): New Zealand defeated Pakistan 4-2 on Monday in the 9th-16th place classification match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium.
The Kiwis wasted no time in making their presence felt, taking the lead just 20 seconds after the opening whistle. Dylan Thomas produced a superb field goal to put New Zealand ahead almost immediately.
Pakistan struggled to respond as New Zealand maintained their advantage through the opening quarter.
The pressure intensified in the second period, with Scott Boyde finding the net in the 16th minute before George Baker added another goal six minutes later. New Zealand therefore entered the interval holding a commanding 3-0 lead.
Pakistan returned from the break with renewed determination and quickly turned the momentum in their favour. Sufyan Khan reduced the gap in the 33rd minute, while Afraz struck five minutes later to make it 3-2 and give Pakistan hope of completing a remarkable comeback.
However, New Zealand regained control in the final quarter. Kane Russell converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute to extend his side’s advantage to two goals once again.
Both teams continued searching for another breakthrough during the closing stages, but neither could add to the scoreline. New Zealand eventually secured a 4-2 victory at the final whistle.
The result saw New Zealand finish at the top of Pool G with nine points. They will now meet Ireland in the ninth-place playoff, which is scheduled to take place at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Belgium on Friday.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have been eliminated from the race for ninth place in the 16-team tournament.
The Green Shirts will instead compete against South Africa in the 11th/12th position playoff at the Wagener Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan entered the classification stage after a disappointing campaign in the main round. They lost to England and their arch-rivals, while their only point came from a 3-3 draw against Wales.
The results prevented Pakistan from progressing to the next stage of the competition. Under the tournament format, they subsequently played their first classification fixture against Japan on Saturday, where they secured a 4-3 victory.
That win was particularly significant for Pakistan as it ended their long wait for a World Cup victory.
Their previous success had come in 2010, when they defeated Spain 2-1, meaning Saturday’s triumph brought an end to a 16-year drought.