Pakistan Hockey Federation announces a balanced 20-player squad and experienced coaching staff as the Green Shirts prepare for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially announced its 20-member squad and team management for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, marking another important step in the country’s efforts to re-establish itself among the world’s top hockey nations.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) revealed the squad on Wednesday, selecting a mix of experienced internationals and promising young players. The combination reflects the federation’s long-term strategy of building a competitive team capable of challenging the world’s leading sides while preparing the next generation of talent.
The selected squad includes Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakariya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Adil Latif, Ahmed 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 Pakistan’s two goalkeepers and will be responsible for defending against some of the strongest attacking teams in international hockey during the tournament.
The PHF also confirmed the team’s management and support staff. Muhammad Owais Qarni will serve as team manager, while experienced Dutch coach Bob Johan Veldhof has been appointed head coach. He will be assisted by British coach Christopher John Bowen and Pakistani assistant coach Adnan Zakir. Ashraf Sultan will perform the role of video technician, providing tactical and performance analysis throughout the competition.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed confidence in the selected squad, saying the players possess the skill, dedication and determination needed to compete at the highest level. He encouraged the team to represent Pakistan with pride and called on hockey fans nationwide to support the Green Shirts during the prestigious tournament.
Pakistan remains one of the most decorated countries in the history of international hockey, having won multiple World Cup and Olympic titles. However, the national team has faced difficult years on the global stage, making qualification for the 2026 World Cup an encouraging milestone.
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