India are ready to start their campaign at the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Indian team will hope to end a long wait for a World Cup medal.
India last won the Hockey World Cup in 1975. Since then, the team has not won a medal at the event. Head coach Craig Fulton will lead the team in the tournament. He guided India to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
India qualified for the 2026 World Cup after winning the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir. The team is currently ranked eighth in the world.
What is India’s Hockey World Cup 2026 format?
The 2026 Hockey World Cup will have a different format this year. There will be no direct quarter-finals. The top two teams from each pool will move to the second round. The points won against the other team that also qualifies from the same pool will be carried forward.
In the second round, the two teams from Pool D will face the top two teams from Pool A. Pool A has the Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand and Japan.
The top two teams from the second-round groups will reach the semi-finals. The other teams will play classification matches to decide their final positions.
Where is India placed in the Hockey World Cup 2026?
India have been placed in Pool D along with Wales, England and Pakistan. India will face all three teams in the group stage. The match against Pakistan will be one of the biggest games for the Indian team and fans.
India will play all their group-stage matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
Why are India confident ahead of the World Cup?
India have had a mixed start to their recent FIH Pro League campaign. However, the team improved during the European leg of the competition. India recorded important wins against strong teams such as the Netherlands, Germany, Pakistan and England.
These results also helped India avoid relegation to the FIH Nations League. The team will now look to carry that form into the World Cup.
When will India play their Hockey World Cup matches?
India will play their three Pool D matches on August 15, August 17 and August 19.
Here is India’s schedule:
| Date | Match | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| August 15 | India vs Wales | 4:30 PM |
| August 17 | India vs England | 6:30 PM |
| August 19 | India vs Pakistan | 6:30 PM |
How can fans watch India’s Hockey World Cup matches?
Fans in India can watch the matches live on the Star Sports Network. The matches will also be available for live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website.
Who is in India’s Hockey World Cup 2026 squad?
India have named a 19-member squad for the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
Goalkeepers:
Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders:
Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders:
Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards:
Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek
India will hope this squad can help the team win its first Hockey World Cup medal since 1975.
