Pakistan and England secured qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after winning their semi-final matches in the qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt.
England produced a dominant performance to thrash Malaysia 7-1, with Sam Ward opening the scoring before Stuart Rushmere and Sam Hooper scored braces.
Pakistan, meanwhile, clinched a thrilling 4-3 victory over Japan with a late surge. After being level late in the match, Afraz scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, while goalkeeper Ali Raza sealed the win with a dramatic penalty stroke save.
The two winners will now face each other in the final. Malaysia and Japan will battle in the bronze medal playoff for another World Cup qualification spot.