KAKAMIGAHARA, Japan: A classic rivalry is set to reignite on Friday as Pakistan and India booked a blockbuster semi-final clash in the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium.
The semifinal lineup for the Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in Japan has been finalized. The semifinals will be played on Friday, with Pakistan set to face India in one of the semifinal matches. In the first semifinal, Japan will take on Malaysia. #Hockey pic.twitter.com/7QJdUeRarp
— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) June 3, 2026
India confirmed their place as Pakistan’s opponent following a commanding 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final group-stage match on Wednesday. Despite the resounding win, India finished second in Pool A behind Japan, who won all four of their games to top the group.
Pakistan, meanwhile, secured the top spot in Pool B with six points, edging Malaysia on goal difference. The Green Shirts sealed their position with a dominant 5-2 victory over Bangladesh earlier in the day.
𝐈𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒𝐍’𝐓 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 ⚔️🏆
The semi-finals of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 are locked in, and a blockbuster India-Pakistan showdown awaits with a place in the final on the line. 🔥
In the other semi-final, hosts Japan will take on Malaysia as… pic.twitter.com/TMRegvJ0bD
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 3, 2026
In that crucial encounter, Abdullah Awan opened the scoring in just the second minute, though Bangladesh’s Islam Munna equalised in the 11th minute to leave the first quarter tied at 1-1. After a scoreless second quarter, Pakistan regained the lead through Adeel in the 32nd minute, only for Munna to strike again three minutes later.
The momentum then shifted decisively in Pakistan’s favour. Haider Asam converted a penalty corner to make it 3-2, before Awan netted his second goal to extend the lead to 4-2 by the end of the third quarter. Najeeb Muhammad Yahya added a fifth goal in the 59th minute to seal the comprehensive triumph.
Another dominant display by Pakistan at the U-18 Asia Cup Hockey Tournament۔
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh 5-2 to continue their impressive run in tournament#Hockey pic.twitter.com/TF4li6vaV8— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) June 3, 2026
With Pakistan topping Pool B and India securing second in Pool A, the stage is now set for a high-octane semi-final on Friday. Hockey fans from both nations will eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the arch-rivals.
