Pakistan eye India upset to keep Hockey World Cup hopes alive

WEB DESK: Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in a high-stakes Pool D clash at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 tonight, with a victory essential to keep their campaign alive.

The match is played at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and is scheduled to begin at 6.30 pm (PST).

Pakistan need a win over India to strengthen their hopes of progressing to the next stage, while India can secure qualification with a draw.

England have already secured progression from the pool, leaving India, Pakistan and Wales competing for the remaining spot.

Pakistan enter the crucial encounter looking to overturn a difficult recent record against their arch-rivals. India defeated Pakistan 7-1 in their most recent FIH Pro League meeting in June, while the previous encounter ended in a 4-3 victory for India.

The result leaves Pakistan chasing an upset against India as they seek to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The national team’s skipper Abu Bakar Mahmood, however, has played down the significance of rankings ahead of the clash, saying the rankings will not matter once both teams take the field.

With qualification at stake, the national team are hoping to produce a strong performance and end their recent wait for a victory over India.