FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 scheduled to commence from August 15
PHF Announces Pakistan Squad for 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup
LAHORE — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has revealed the 20-member national squad and management team for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, which will take place in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
Pakistan, having secured qualification for the prestigious event, is set to compete among the world’s top hockey nations as the team looks to make a strong comeback on the international stage.
The announced squad includes a mix of experienced campaigners and talented young players, with the federation hoping the combination will help the Green Shirts deliver a competitive performance in the tournament.
The selected players are Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Adeel Latif, Ahmad Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Imad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Hamaduddin Anjum, Rehman Abdul, Afraz, Umar Mustafa, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ali Raza, Abdul Matan, and Muhammad Imad.
Waqar and Ali Raza have been named as the two goalkeepers in the squad.
The coaching and management staff includes Team Manager Muhammad Owais Qarni, Head Coach Bob Johan Veldhof (Netherlands), Assistant Coach Christopher John Bowen (Great Britain), Assistant Coach Adnan Zakir, and Video Technician Ashraf Sultan.
The announcement follows the recent change in Pakistan’s hockey leadership, with veteran midfielder Ammad Butt stepping down as captain after holding the position for 14 years. The PHF appointed Abu Bakar Mahmood as the new captain on the recommendation of its Professional Development Committee.
The federation acknowledged Ammad Butt’s long service and confirmed that he will remain part of the national team as a senior player.
PHF officials expressed confidence that the blend of experienced players and emerging talent, under Abu Bakar’s leadership, will help Pakistan develop into a stronger and more competitive unit ahead of the World Cup.
