FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 to begin in Belgium and Netherlands

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 15 to August 30, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament features a new format that eliminates traditional quarter-finals in favor of a three-phase system.

The Indian men's team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, is placed in Pool D alongside Pakistan, England, and Wales. The team is seeking its first World Cup title since 1975. Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh expressed that this could be his final World Cup, stating his commitment to achieving the title that has eluded the team despite recent Olympic successes.

The Indian women's team is also in Pool D, competing against China, England, and South Africa. Goalkeeper Savita Punia and captain Salima Tete lead a squad aiming for its first World Cup medal, building on recent confidence from the FIH Nations Cup.

Other participating nations include Australia, which has announced its 20-member squad, and Spain, whose men's and women's teams are set to compete. Germany enters the men's tournament as the defending champions.