Pakistan secured a convincing 4–2 victory over Austria in their final group-stage match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Hockey Stadium.
The Green Shirts started the match aggressively, with Afraz scoring a sensational field goal in the fourth minute to give Pakistan an early lead.
The score remained 1–0 in Pakistan’s favor until the 44th minute, when Abu Mahmood successfully converted a penalty corner to double the advantage.
Austria responded in the final quarter when Maximilian Kelner scored from a penalty corner two minutes into the quarter to reduce the deficit.
However, Sufyan Khan restored Pakistan’s two-goal lead four minutes later, keeping momentum on Pakistan’s side.
Just one minute later, Abu Mahmood scored his second goal of the match, giving Pakistan a three-goal cushion and strengthening their control of the game.
Austria attempted a comeback when Maximilian Scholz scored in the 53rd minute, but Pakistan maintained their lead to secure a dominant 4–2 victory.
The win means Pakistan finished the group stage unbeaten, having already defeated China and Malaysia in their first two matches.
Pakistan had already qualified for the semi-finals after defeating Malaysia, but their opponent for the knockout match will be decided after the Group A matches conclude on Thursday.
A victory in the semi-final would secure Pakistan’s place in the FIH Hockey World Cup, marking their return to the tournament after an eight-year absence.
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