India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a high-scoring Pool D clash at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Wednesday, August 19. The victory secured India’s place in the tournament’s second round, while Pakistan’s World Cup campaign came to an end.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and forward Abhishek were the stars for India, scoring two goals each. Vice-captain Hardik Singh added the fifth goal through a penalty stroke. Harmanpreet opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the fifth minute before Abhishek doubled India’s lead in the 11th minute.
India continued its attacking display in the second quarter, with Harmanpreet scoring his second goal and Abhishek completing his brace. Pakistan responded through Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan, making it 4-2 at the end of the first half.
Hardik Singh restored India’s three-goal advantage in the third quarter. Pakistan continued to fight and Hannan Shahid scored again, but India’s defence held firm in the final quarter to secure the 5-3 victory.
With six points from their Pool D campaign, India finished second behind England and moved into the second round, where they will continue their pursuit of a first Men’s Hockey World Cup title since 1975.
