Pakistan Beat South Africa to Finish 11th in Hockey World Cup 2026

AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan’s national hockey team defeated South Africa in a thrilling penalty shootout to secure 11th place in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.

The 11th-place playoff between Pakistan and South Africa was played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The match remained level at the end of regulation time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.

Pakistan’s players showed impressive composure under pressure during the shootout and successfully overcame South Africa to end their World Cup campaign on a winning note.

The victory also brought a positive development in Pakistan’s international ranking. The national team had entered the tournament ranked 12th in the FIH world rankings. Following the win over South Africa, Pakistan moved up one place to 11th.

Although finishing 11th was below Pakistan’s desired position in the World Cup, the victory provided the team with an important boost in the global rankings.

Pakistan had earlier ended a 16-year wait for a World Cup victory during the tournament and also recorded a draw against Wales.

The national team will now look to build on its improved performances and continue climbing the international rankings in upcoming competitions.