Pakistan, Aug. 23 -- Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Japan 4-3 in a thrilling match at the FIH International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Cup 2026 being held in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Japan got off to an aggressive start, taking an early lead through Hyota Yamada in the 7th minute. Kaito Tanaka extended the advantage to 2-0 in the 15th minute, said a press release.

Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter. Rana Waheed Ashraf scored in the 22nd minute to pull one back, before netting his second in the 32nd minute to level the score at 2-2. A minute later, in the 33rd minute, Hammaduddin Muhammad found the net to put Pakistan ahead 3-2.

Japan equalized again in the 36th minute through Koji Yamasaki to make...