Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman has won the men’s Magic Skill Award at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after his spectacular 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 brilliantly to find the back of the net.
His goal received 44% of the fans’ votes, edging Canada’s Canton Melville, who secured 39% in the closely contested poll.
Three players were shortlisted for the men’s award.
In the women’s category, India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam won the award after producing a spectacular reflex save in the final minute of her team’s match against England. She received 52% of the fans’ votes.
Pakistan finished 11th at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after defeating South Africa in a penalty shootout in the final classification match, securing their best finish at the tournament since 2006.
The four-time world champions began their campaign in Pool D with a 4-1 defeat to England on August 15 before drawing 3-3 with Wales two days later.
Pakistan then faced arch-rivals India in their final pool match on August 19 but suffered a 5-3 defeat, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The Green Shirts subsequently entered the classification phase, where they defeated Japan 4-3 on August 22.
Their progress was halted by New Zealand, who beat Pakistan 4-2 on August 24.
Pakistan then faced South Africa in the 11th-place play-off. The match ended 4-4 after regulation time before Pakistan won 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
Ammad Butt converted the decisive penalty to seal victory and secure 11th place for Pakistan.
The result marked Pakistan’s best World Cup finish since 2006, when they finished sixth. The team placed 12th in the 2010 and 2018 editions and missed the 2014 and 2023 tournaments.
