Pakistan started their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a 4-1 defeat against England in Amsterdam on Saturday. England took control of the game from the start and kept attacking the Pakistani defence.
The English team scored in all four quarters. Pakistan managed to score only once. Afraz scored Pakistan’s only goal in the final quarter.
Pakistan return to World Cup
Pakistan are four-time world champions and have returned to the World Cup after eight years. Germany are defending their title in the tournament.
Pakistan are placed in Group D along with India and Wales. The team will now look to improve its performance in the remaining group matches.
Why did Pakistan captain Abu Bakr receive green card against England?
Pakistan captain Abu Bakr Mahmood received a green card during the team’s opening match against England at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in the Netherlands.
Abu Bakr was shown the green card in the 17th minute of the second quarter. He was penalised for not placing the protective equipment behind the goalpost after England were awarded a penalty corner.
The Pakistan captain had to leave the field and sit in the team dugout for two minutes. Under FIH rules, a green card is given for a minor offence. The player’s team has to play with one fewer player during the suspension.
England beat Pakistan 4-1
England won the match 4-1 after taking control of the game early on. Stuart Rushmere opened the scoring after 12 minutes and 15 seconds. England led 1-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Sam Ward scored in the 29th minute to give England a 2-0 lead before half-time. England scored again in the third quarter. Sam Hooper converted a penalty corner in the 32nd minute to make it 3-0.
James Albery scored England’s fourth goal in the 48th minute from another penalty corner. Pakistan scored their only goal three minutes later. Afraz found the net in the 51st minute. Pakistan will play Wales in their second World Cup match on Monday at the same venue.