Excitement is building ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup as the official draw throws India and Pakistan into the same Pool D in the men’s event. Hosted jointly by Belgium and Netherlands, the tournament kicks off August 15 in Amsterdam’s Wagner Stadium and Weve’s brand-new Belfius Hockey Arena, running through August 30.
Tuesday’s draw in Amsterdam sorted 16 men’s teams into four groups. Pool D’s lineup—India, Pakistan, England, and Wales—spells trouble for the Asian giants. India must outshine rivals for a straight quarterfinal berth; otherwise, it’s crossover playoffs for second and third spots to reach the top 8.
The women’s draw mirrors the challenge for India, landing in Pool D with England, China, and South Africa. Fresh off a heartbreaking 0-2 qualifier final defeat to England in Hyderabad, India’s women eye redemption on the big stage.
Breaking down the groups:
Men’s:
• Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (Netherlands)
• Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (Belgium)
• Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (Belgium)
• Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (Netherlands)
Women’s:
• Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (Netherlands)
• Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (Belgium)
• Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (Belgium)
• Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (Netherlands)
This grouping guarantees high-stakes drama, with India-Pakistan set to relive their storied rivalry under the global spotlight. Teams now shift focus to training regimens, knowing every pool match could define their tournament fate.