In a crucial development for Pakistan hockey, the national team’s pathway to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup has been made clear. As announced earlier, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in a three-match series in Dhaka this November to decide who moves closer to the global spectacle.
The matches are scheduled to take place on 13, 14, and 16 November, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the World Cup Qualifiers.
This series has been arranged specifically for Pakistan by the FIH, after the team missed out on direct qualification due to its withdrawal from the Hockey Asia Cup, which took place in India. Bangladesh, who finished 6th in that tournament, earned a playoff against Pakistan. For two teams outside the automatic qualification bracket, this series represents a last-chance gateway to the global stage.
The winner of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series will advance to the Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in February next year, which will serve as the final opportunity to reach the global showcase. The qualifiers will feature 16 teams, with only 7 securing a place in the World Cup. Canada, Chile, United States, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Austria, England, France, Poland, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea await the winner of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series, with one more team from Africa to be confirmed soon.
This series in Dhaka could mark a turning point for Pakistan hockey. With the sport struggling for visibility and funding at home, a win could reignite public interest and restore some of the pride associated with the green shirts. For the players, this is their chance to write their own chapter in Pakistan’s storied hockey legacy.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Dhaka, not just for the scoreline, but for what it might represent.
