NZ Men take playoff spot FIH Hockey World Cup
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The Black Sticks Men's team have secured top spot in their classification pool and a spot in the ninth-place playoff at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
New Zealand produced another strong performance to defeat Pakistan 4-2 and finish unbeaten at the top of Pool G.
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They made the perfect start, with Dylan Thomas opening the scoring after just 22 seconds following a well-worked team move. Scott Boyde doubled the advantage early in the second quarter, firing home a powerful reverse-stick strike.
The pressure continued as George Baker made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute, getting a crucial deflection in front of goal from a Dylan Thomas assist.
Pakistan fought their way back into the contest during the third quarter, scoring twice from penalty corners to reduce the deficit to just one. However, Kane Russell sealed the result in the 49th minute, firing home a penalty corner to secure the 4-2 victory.
The win means the Black Sticks finish Pool G with maximum points and earn a place in the ninth-place playoff against Ireland.
The New Zealand women's team missed out on victory to finish their Pool H campaign , going down 2-1 to Scotland in a tightly contested match.
Britt Wang gave New Zealand the lead in the 23rd minute, finishing off a ball fired across the face of goal. Scotland responded just minutes later to level the scores before halftime.
The match remained evenly poised until Scotland found the decisive goal from a penalty-corner rebound with just 19 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Despite creating opportunities throughout the match, New Zealand couldn’t find another breakthrough and will now play Chile in the 15th/16th playoff.
Women's head coach Phil Burrows said the group was disappointed but remains focused on finishing the tournament strongly.
“It’s been a tough trip and there have been plenty of lessons along the way. We’ve got one game left now, and it’s important that we finish this tournament with pride in the shirt and represent ourselves and New Zealand the way we want to.”
“We live, we learn, and we move forward.”
They now play Chile in the 15th/16th playoff.
New Zealand Goal Scorers: MEN
1' Dylan Thomas - Field Goal
16' Scott Boyde - Field Goal
22' George Baker - Field Goal
49' Kane Russell - Penalty Corner Goal
New Zealand Goal Scorers: WOMEN
23' Britt Wang - Field Goal
