India defeats Pakistan 5-3 to advance at Hockey World Cup 2026

India booked their place in the knockout stages of the Hockey World Cup 2026 on Tuesday with a decisive 5-3 triumph over Pakistan in Pool D action. The result ensured India accumulated six points from their group-stage matches, sufficient to guarantee a second-round berth despite finishing behind group leaders England.

England dominated Pool D with three straight wins and nine points, establishing themselves as the strongest contenders from the section heading into the next phase of the tournament. India's victory over their South Asian rivals, however, demonstrated the competitive depth within the group and set the stage for potentially competitive knockout encounters.

The match showcased India's attacking prowess, with their forwards finding the back of the net five times against Pakistan's defense. Pakistan's three-goal response proved insufficient to overcome India's superior clinical finishing and match control.

Both India and England's progression ensures that the top teams from Pool D are well-positioned for the tournament's advanced stages. The group's competitive nature highlighted the quality of hockey on display at the 2026 World Cup, with India and England now preparing for second-round matchups against qualifiers from other pools.