AMSTELVEEN: New Zealand beat Pakistan 4-2 on Monday at Wagener Hockey Stadium, sending the four-time champions into the 11th-place playoff at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
New Zealand struck after just 20 seconds when Dylan Thomas scored from open play. Scott Boyde doubled the advantage in the 16th minute before George Baker made it 3-0 six minutes later.
Pakistan responded strongly after halftime. Muhammad Sufyan Khan scored in the 33rd minute, and Afraz struck five minutes later to cut New Zealand’s lead to 3-2.
New Zealand ended Pakistan’s comeback in the final quarter when Kane Russell converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute. Neither side added another goal as New Zealand completed a 4-2 victory.
Read: Pakistan-India Hockey: India Win 5-3, Knock Pakistan Out
The win lifted New Zealand to the top of Pool G with nine points, securing a place in the ninth-position playoff. Pakistan finished behind them and can no longer finish ninth.
New Zealand will face Ireland in the 9th/10th-place match, while Pakistan will meet South Africa for 11th place on Friday, August 28. The International Hockey Federation’s schedule confirms the men’s final classification matches will be played that day, with the 11th/12th match at Wagener Hockey Stadium and the 9th/10th playoff at Belfius Hockey Arena.
Pakistan had reached Pool G after beating Japan 4-3 on August 22, their first World Cup victory since defeating Spain 2-1 at the 2010 tournament.
