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Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 23:22 IST
India’s men face Pakistan, England and Wales in a tough Hockey World Cup group, while the women’s team draw China, England and South Africa in Pool D.
(Credit: AFP)
The Indian men’s national hockey team are set for a high-voltage group stage at the FIH Hockey World Cup, after being drawn alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, as well as England and Wales.
The draw, held at the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, confirmed a challenging Pool D lineup for India in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
It’s a similar story for the Indian women’s team, too — who are placed in Pool D as well and will take on China, England, and South Africa.
Both Indian teams will play their group matches in the Netherlands, with the full schedule set to be announced soon.
Champions and Heavyweights
Defending champions Germany headline Pool B, where they are grouped with Belgium, France, and Malaysia.
Germany lifted the 2023 title in Bhubaneswar, defeating hosts Belgium in the final, and will once again be among the favourites.
The draw featured hockey legends like Teun de Nooijer and Naomi van As, adding star power to the ceremony.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram highlighted the broader significance of the event.
“In today’s fractured world, sport — and events such as this in particular — can play a substantial role in bringing people together. It can foster peace at times when our world is torn apart by conflict," he said.
The Pools
Men:
Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)
Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (playing in Belgium)
Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (playing in Belgium)
Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (playing in the Netherlands)
Women:
Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)
Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (playing in Belgium)
Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (playing in Belgium)
Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (playing in the Netherlands).
(with PTI inputs)
First Published:
March 17, 2026, 23:22 IST
News sports hockey India vs Pakistan Set! Men In Blue Face Tough Draw In FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
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