Ismailia (Egypt), March 6 (NationPress) - In a thrilling display of skill, Pakistan and England have secured their spots for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after triumphing in their semi-final matches at the qualifying tournament held in Ismailia, Egypt, on Friday. England clinched their place with a commanding 7-1 victory over Malaysia, while Pakistan achieved a dramatic 4-3 win against Japan. The two victorious teams will face off in the final on Saturday.

Malaysia and Japan still have opportunities to qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 by winning the bronze medal playoff, also scheduled for Saturday. Additionally, the highest-ranked fourth-place team from all qualifying tournaments will also earn a spot in the World Cup.

In another match that day, Egypt dominated Austria with a decisive 4-0 victory and will compete against China for fifth place.

England's Victory Over Malaysia

England showcased a significant advantage in both possession and territory throughout the match. However, a well-organized and energetic Malaysian defense kept the score narrow during the first half. Jacob Payton missed an early chance by shooting wide from close range, while Will Calnan narrowly missed with a tomahawk shot. Eventually, Sam Ward broke the deadlock with a drag flick in the 19th minute. Malaysian goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman made two crucial saves to keep the score at 1-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, England ramped up the pressure, leading to more goals. Sam Hooper netted a powerful drag flick in the 36th minute, followed by Tom Sorsby, who scored with a reverse strike in the 41st minute. Stuart Rushmere executed a brilliant stop-and-shoot move to extend the lead to 4-0.

Malaysia managed to score in the 50th minute, with Faizal Saari sprinting to receive a pass and Shafiq Hassan deftly redirecting it past the English defense. Zach Wallace added a delicate short corner deflection in the 54th minute, and both Rushmere and Hooper completed their braces in the 59th and 60th minutes.

Late Goals Propel Pakistan to Victory

Former champions Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback, scoring three late goals to secure a thrilling 4-3 win over Japan, ensuring their place at the FIH Hockey World Cup.

Japan had an early opportunity to score when Tsubasa Tanaka found himself one-on-one but missed the target. Muhammad Ammad opened the scoring for Pakistan in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from his initial shot saved by Takumi Kitagawa.

Despite several penalty corner attempts being denied, Japan equalized in the 21st minute with a deft deflection from Ryoma Ooka, bringing the teams to a 1-1 tie at halftime.

Shota Yamada gave Japan the lead with a drag flick in the 35th minute and increased it in the 41st minute with a slap-in. However, Pakistan rallied after Japan received a yellow card with 10 minutes left.

Abu Mahmood brought Pakistan within one goal in the 52nd minute, and Sufyan Khan equalized in the 55th with a powerful drag flick. In the dramatic final moments, Afraz scored the winning goal in the 57th minute with a brilliant deflection. Japan earned a penalty stroke immediately after, but Ali Raza made a spectacular save to secure the victory for Pakistan.