The Hockey World Cup 2026 will begin on August 15 and its final will be played on August 30. This time, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
FIH has announced the groups for both men’s and women’s categories, making it clear which team will play in which group. Both Indian men’s and women’s teams have qualified for this tournament. A notable point is that the Indian men’s team has been placed in the same group as Pakistan, raising expectations for another high-voltage encounter.
In the draw conducted by FIH for the Hockey World Cup 2026, India and Pakistan have been placed together in Group D of the men’s category. England and Wales were also included in this group during the draw ceremony held on March 17 at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam. The Indian team will play all its matches in the Netherlands, while the full schedule of matches is expected to be announced on March 18.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Germany have been placed in Pool B with Belgium, France, and Malaysia. Germany won the title for the third time by defeating Belgium in the final played in Bhubaneswar in 2023.
The World Cup match record between India and Pakistan has also been in India’s favor. The two teams have faced each other five times so far, with India winning three matches, while Pakistan has secured two victories. The last time they met was in 2010 in New Delhi, where India defeated Pakistan 4-1.
The groups for the men’s category of the Hockey World Cup 2026 have been announced. Pool A includes the Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, and Japan. Pool B comprises Belgium, Germany, France, and Malaysia. Pool C features Australia, Spain, Ireland, and South Africa. England, India, Pakistan, and Wales are placed in Pool D, making the competition in this group quite exciting.
The groups for the women’s category have also been announced. The Indian women’s hockey team has been placed in Pool D, where it will face China, England, and South Africa.
The groups for the women’s category of the Hockey World Cup 2026 are as follows:
- Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan
- Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland
- Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland
- Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa
The Indian women’s team has been placed in Pool D, where it will face China, England, and South Africa.
