AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan were knocked out of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 on Wednesday after India defeated them 5-3 in a high-stakes Pool D clash at the Wagener Stadium.
Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek both scored twice as India secured a convincing victory and ended Pakistan’s campaign without a win.
India made a fast start, taking the lead in the fifth minute when Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner.
Abhishek doubled the advantage six minutes later with a field goal as India finished the opening quarter 2-0 ahead.
India continued their dominance early in the second quarter.
Harmanpreet struck again from a penalty corner in the 21st minute to put India 3-0 ahead.
Pakistan responded almost immediately. Hannan Shahid scored from open play in the 22nd minute to reduce the deficit.
India restored their three-goal advantage a minute later when Abhishek found the net again.
Pakistan refused to give up and pulled another goal back in the 24th minute. Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner to make it 4-2.
India took their two-goal advantage into half-time.
Four minutes into the third quarter, India were awarded a penalty stroke. Hardik Singh converted to make it 5-2.
Pakistan won a penalty corner in the 41st minute but could not convert as India maintained control through the penultimate quarter.
Pakistan began the final quarter with renewed urgency.
Shahid scored his second goal of the match to bring Pakistan within two goals at 5-3.
The Green Shirts pushed forward in search of another goal while India looked to protect their advantage and create opportunities on the counter-attack.
Both sides made late attempts to score, but neither could find the net again.
India held on for a 5-3 victory at the final whistle.
The defeat brought Pakistan’s World Cup campaign to an end without a victory.
Pakistan opened their Pool D campaign with a 4-1 defeat against England.
They then drew 3-3 with Wales before suffering another defeat against India.
