Pakistan forward Abdul Rehman has won the men’s Magic Skill Award at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after his stunning goal against Wales was voted the best skill moment of the tournament.
Rehman produced an impressive display of three-dimensional skills during Pakistan’s 3-3 draw against Wales, beating four defenders before finishing the move with a superb strike.
His goal received 44% of the fans’ votes to secure the award.
Rehman edges Canada’s Melville
Three players were shortlisted for the men’s award, with Rehman narrowly beating Canada’s Canton Melville, who received 39% of the votes in the closely contested fan poll.
In the women’s category, India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam won the award with 52% of the votes.
Kharibam was recognised for a spectacular reflex save in the final minute of India’s match against England.
Pakistan finish 11th at World Cup
Pakistan finished 11th at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after defeating South Africa in a penalty shootout in their final classification match.
The result marked Pakistan’s best finish at the World Cup in 20 years.
The four-time world champions began their campaign in Pool D with a 4-1 defeat against England on August 15 before drawing 3-3 with Wales two days later.
Pakistan Secure 11th Place at Hockey World Cup After Thrilling Shootout Win
Pakistan then faced arch-rivals India in their final pool match on August 19. The Green Shirts lost 5-3, ending their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
They moved into the classification phase, where they defeated Japan 4-3 on August 22.
However, New Zealand ended Pakistan’s run with a 4-2 victory on August 24.
Pakistan subsequently faced South Africa in the 11th-place playoff. The match ended 4-4 after regulation time before Pakistan won the penalty shootout 4-3.
Ammad Butt converted the decisive penalty to secure victory and 11th place for Pakistan.
The finish was Pakistan’s best at the World Cup since 2006, when they placed sixth. The team finished 12th in both the 2010 and 2018 editions and missed the 2014 and 2023 tournaments.
