ISLAMABAD, Mar 05 (APP):Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt expressed confidence in his team’s chances in the upcoming semifinal of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier after the Green Shirts won all their three pool matches to reach the knockout stage. Speaking after Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the pool phase, Ammad said the team was satisfied with its performance but remained fully focused on the crucial semifinal, scheduled for …
Ammad Butt confident ahead of Hockey World Cup Qualifier semifinal
ISLAMABAD, Mar 05 (APP):Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt expressed confidence in his team’s chances in the upcoming semifinal of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier after the Green Shirts won all their three pool matches to reach the knockout stage.
Speaking after Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the pool phase, Ammad said the team was satisfied with its performance but remained fully focused on the crucial semifinal, scheduled for Friday.
“We have won all three matches in the pool stage. I believe the way my team has performed so far is very encouraging. However, the semifinal is a very important match for us as it is a knockout game and we must win it,” he said in a video message.
Pakistan will face Japan in the semifinal, with a place in the final and a strong chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup at stake.
The captain said the team would utilise the rest day to prepare for the decisive encounter. “We will give our best to win the semifinal and qualify for the World Cup to present a gift to our nation.”
Ammad Butt also thanked the government and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for supporting the team. “I am grateful to Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi for his strong support for Pakistan hockey. I also thank the Government of Pakistan for listening to the players and facilitating the team in the best possible way,” he said.
He added that the players had responded positively to the support by delivering strong performances on the field.
The captain also praised the team management for creating a positive environment. “The management has been excellent. Head coach Khawaja Junaid is doing a great job, while team manager Olympian Tahir Sultan and the support staff, including the team doctor from the Pakistan Sports Board, have provided great support. The atmosphere in the team is very positive.”
Ammad said Pakistan was just one step away from securing a place in the World Cup. “We are only one step away from World Cup qualification. The players have worked very hard for this moment and their morale is very high,” he said.
Appealing to the nation for prayers, the skipper added: “I request the entire nation to pray for us. We will try our best to win the semifinal and make Pakistan proud.”
Nine men’s teams had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup before these final qualifiers (via 2025 continental events, Pro League, or hosting rights). Currently, two qualifying tournaments are underway, one in Ismailia and the other in Santiago.
Both qualifiers offer the remaining spots. Top three sides from each tournament qualify directly, plus the highest-ranked fourth-place team overall across both tournaments. A Pakistan win over Japan would lock in their World Cup berth as one of the top finishers.
