Pakistan names a balanced 20-member squad and experienced coaching staff for the World Cup campaign in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially announced the 20-member national squad and team management for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Belgium from August 15 to August 30. The announcement marks Pakistan’s preparations for one of the sport’s most prestigious international tournaments.
Pakistan secured qualification for the World Cup and will now aim to make a strong impression against the world’s leading hockey nations.
The selected squad features a combination of experienced international players and promising young talent, reflecting the federation’s strategy of maintaining balance between experience and youth for the global event.
The national squad includes Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moin Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Zakriya 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 Mateen, and Muhammad Ammad. Among them, Waqar and Ali Raza have been selected as the team’s goalkeepers for the tournament.
The federation also confirmed the support staff that will accompany the national side during the World Cup campaign. Muhammad Awais Qarni has been appointed as the team manager, while Bob Johan Veldhof of the Netherlands will serve as the head coach.
The coaching staff also includes Christopher John Bowen of Great Britain and Adnan Zakir as assistant coaches. Ashraf Sultan has been named the team’s video technician to assist with match analysis and performance evaluation throughout the competition.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed confidence in the selected players and management, stating that the federation believes the squad has the potential to compete effectively at the highest level. He also conveyed his best wishes to the players and officials ahead of the tournament.
The PHF president further urged hockey fans across the country to unite behind the national team and support the Green Shirts during their World Cup journey. With a carefully selected squad and experienced coaching staff, Pakistan will look to deliver a competitive performance and strengthen its standing in international hockey during the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.