In a thrilling display of skill and determination at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt, Pakistan and England punched their tickets to the 2026 Hockey World Cup with commanding semifinal victories on Friday. England demolished Malaysia 7-1, while Pakistan edged out Japan 4-3 in a nail-biting finish.
England wasted no time asserting dominance. Despite Malaysia’s resilient first-half defense, led by goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, England led 1-0 at halftime. The third quarter saw an explosion of goals: Sam Hooper’s powerful drag flick in the 36th minute, Tom Sorrsby’s reverse strike at 41′, and Stuart Rushmere’s clever reverse stick goal to make it 4-0. Malaysia pulled one back through Shafiq Hassan’s deflection in the 50th minute, but England responded ferociously. Jack Wallace scored in the 54th, followed by Rushmere and Hooper in the 59th and 60th minutes, sealing a rout.
Pakistan’s match was a rollercoaster. Muhammad Ammad opened the scoring in the 9th minute, but Japan equalized via Ryoma Uka’s deflection at 21′. Shota Yamada gave Japan the lead with a drag flick at 35′ and doubled it at 41′. With momentum seemingly lost, Pakistan mounted a stunning comeback. Abu Mahmood narrowed the gap at 52′, Sufyan Khan equalized with a drag flick at 55′, and Afraz put them ahead with a deflection at 57′. Japan earned a penalty stroke, but Ali Raza’s brilliant right-foot save ensured victory.
The final pits England against Pakistan on Saturday, while Malaysia and Japan fight for bronze and a potential qualification spot via the highest-ranked fourth place across qualifiers. Egypt crushed Austria 4-0 and will face China for fifth place.