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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday named a 20-member squad for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) opting for a blend of experienced internationals and emerging players for the tournament to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium later this month.
The World Cup will be played from Aug. 15-30 in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, and Belgium, marking Pakistan’s return to hockey’s biggest global event after securing qualification.
The squad will be led by a coaching staff headed by Dutch coach Bob Johan Veldhof, assisted by Great Britain’s Christopher John Bowen and Pakistan’s Adnan Zakir.
The PHF said the selected players combine experience with youthful talent as the former world champions seek to make an impact on the international stage.
Waqar and Ali Raza have been named as the team’s two goalkeepers.
The federation also announced Muhammad Awais Qarni as team manager, while Ashraf Sultan will serve as video technician.
In a statement, the PHF expressed confidence in the squad and wished the players and support staff success in the tournament. It also urged fans across the country to rally behind the national side as it aims to deliver a strong performance at the World Cup.
Pakistan squad:
Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moin Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Zikriya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Adeel Latif, Ahmad Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Ammad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Hammaduddin Anjum, Rehman Abdul, Afraz, Umar Mustafa, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ali Raza, Abdul Manan and Muhammad Ammad.
Goalkeepers: Waqar, Ali Raza.
Team management: Head coach Bob Johan Veldhof (Netherlands); assistant coaches Christopher John Bowen (Great Britain) and Adnan Zakir; team manager Muhammad Awais Qarni; video technician Ashraf Sultan.
FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 – Pool D
England
India
Pakistan
Wales
Pakistan have been drawn in a highly competitive Pool D alongside England, India and Wales. The top teams from the pool will progress to the knockout stage as Pakistan aim to make a successful return to the World Cup after earning qualification for the tournament.
