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Hockey World Cup: England Beat Pakistan 4-1, Green Shirts Suffer Defeat on World Cup Return

AMSTELVEEN, Netherlands — August 15, 2026: Pakistan’s long-awaited return to the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup ended in disappointment as England defeated the Green Shirts 4-1 in their opening Pool D match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.

After an eight-year absence from the world’s biggest hockey tournament, Pakistan entered the competition with hopes of making a strong comeback. However, England produced a dominant performance to secure a convincing victory and three valuable points. (International Hockey Federation)

The 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup is being jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, with 16 men’s teams competing for the world title from August 15 to 30. (Hockey venue (NL))

England Make Strong Start

England controlled much of the contest and maintained pressure on the Pakistani defence, eventually scoring four times. Pakistan managed one goal but could not find a way back into the match.

The result gives England an important early advantage in Pool D, which also includes traditional rivals India and Wales.

Pakistan’s defeat is particularly significant because the national side missed the 2023 World Cup and is competing at the global tournament for the first time since 2018. (International Hockey Federation)

Pakistan’s Road Ahead

The defeat leaves Pakistan needing a strong response in its remaining pool matches.

Pakistan will face Wales on August 17, before taking on arch-rivals India on August 19 in one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the group stage. (Dawn)

With the new World Cup format, every pool match carries considerable importance. Pakistan will now have to regroup quickly and produce a much stronger performance against Wales if it is to keep its hopes of progressing alive.

A Historic Return for Pakistan

Despite the setback, Pakistan’s participation itself marks an important moment for one of hockey’s most successful nations.

Pakistan has won the men’s Hockey World Cup four times, more than any other country. The team’s last World Cup title came in 1994, and its return to the competition after missing the 2023 edition has generated considerable interest among Pakistani hockey supporters.

For now, however, the focus shifts to Wales.

Pakistan vs Wales — August 17
Pakistan vs India — August 19

The Green Shirts now face a simple challenge: bounce back quickly, win points and keep their World Cup campaign alive.