Hockey fans are buzzing with excitement after the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 draw placed arch-rivals India and Pakistan in Pool D for the men’s competition. The high-stakes encounter is fixed for August 19 at 6:30 PM in Amstelveen’s Wagner Hockey Stadium, promising fireworks on the pitch.
Joining the Asian giants in the four-team pool are Wales and England. The group winner sails straight into the quarterfinals, with runners-up up spots leading to crossover playoffs. The draw ceremony, held amid great fanfare at Amsterdam’s Wagner Stadium on Tuesday, unveiled the complete fixture list.
The 1975 World Cup winners, India, kick off their Pool D journey on India’s Independence Day, August 15, against Wales at 4:30 PM IST—the very first match of the tournament. England, ranked fourth globally, awaits them on August 17. Pakistan clashes with England on the opening day. Round-robin action concludes August 20, paving the way for knockouts from August 21.
India’s women enter the fray on August 16 versus top-ranked Asian side China (world No. 4), followed by South Africa on the 18th and England on the 20th. The women’s event inaugurates with Australia vs Japan on August 15, culminating on August 30.
This edition marks a historic joint hosting by neighboring Belgium and Netherlands. Day one features a packed schedule: three men’s and three women’s games at Wagner Stadium and Belfius Hockey Arena in Wevre.
Qualifiers span elite nations including Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Argentina, Spain, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa for both genders. India’s men clinched via Asia Cup glory; women via strong showing in the Hyderabad qualifier.