The schedule for the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 has been released, with the event set to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the dates for the events. It is set to be held from August 15 to 30.
A total of 16 teams, divided into four groups will play in the event. The top teams from each group will qualify for the next round.
Teams for Hockey World Cup 2026:
- Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, Japan, and New Zealand
- Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
- Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland and South Africa.
- Pool D: Pakistan, India, England, and Wales.
Pakistan and India are in the same pool, meaning a high-voltage match will take place between the two teams.
This will be the first match between Pakistan and India since the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir.
The two teams have faced each other 181 times. Pakistan has won 82 games while India has won 67.
Pakistan will give a hard time to India, as it is the most successful team at the FIH World Cup, winning the titles four times, in 1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994.
Pakistan qualifies for the Hockey World Cup after 8 years
Earlier, the green shirts qualified for the Hockey World Cup 2026 after 8 years.
In the semi-final of the World Cup Hockey Qualifier in Egypt, Pakistan defeated Japan 4-3 in a thrilling match to secure a place in the final.
Goalkeeper Ali Raza played a key role by saving a penalty stroke awarded to Japan just four minutes before the end of the match, ensuring Pakistan’s crucial victory.
This win marked Pakistan’s return to the World Cup after 2018, as the team had failed to qualify for the previous edition.
