Mumbai, March 17 (NationPress) Historic rivals India and Pakistan have been placed in the same Pool D for the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. The matches will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, as part of an event co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament is scheduled from August 15 to 30, 2026, with games held in both Amsterdam and Wavre (Belgium).

Alongside India and Pakistan, England and Wales will also compete in Pool D, as determined by the 16-team draw that splits teams into four groups of four. This draw presents a significant challenge for India, which must outperform both England and Pakistan to secure a direct spot in the quarterfinals. The second and third-placed teams in each group will enter Cross-Over matches to vie for a place in the top eight.

In the concurrent Women's FIH World Cup, also set to be held during the same period in Belgium and the Netherlands, the Indian women's team will face England, the Asian champions China, and the African champions South Africa in Pool D.

Recently, the Indian women's hockey squad finished second in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers held in Hyderabad, Telangana, after suffering a 0-2 defeat to England in the final. The two teams will meet again during the main event.

The official draw ceremony took place on Tuesday at the famed Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, one of the venues for the upcoming World Cup, alongside the newly constructed Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium. This event revealed the eight pools for both the men's and women's sections of the group stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.

The draw highlighted a thrilling matchup in the Men's World Cup, placing the 1975 champions India alongside their traditional rivals and four-time champions Pakistan.

This encounter will mark the first time India and Pakistan face each other in the opening round of the Hockey World Cup since the 2010 edition in New Delhi, where India triumphed 4-1 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Pakistan was unable to qualify for the 2014 event, and while they returned for the 2018 edition in Bhubaneswar, they were placed in separate groups, with India advancing to the quarterfinals and Pakistan exiting after a loss to Belgium in the Cross-Over stage. Pakistan also failed to qualify for the 2023 edition held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

In men's competitions, the defending champions Germany will face the host and former winner Belgium, along with neighbors France and Malaysia in Pool B, while the Netherlands will compete against Argentina, New Zealand, and Japan in Pool A.

The draw was conducted by hockey legends Naomie van As, Barbara Neelen, and Teun de Nooijer, alongside DJ La Fuente, who was announced as the Dutch Ambassador for the World Cup during the ceremony.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram remarked, “Today’s draw is a significant milestone leading to the prestigious FIH Hockey World Cup! This upcoming edition, co-hosted by two hockey powerhouses, promises to be a remarkable success. We are truly grateful to both Belgium and the Netherlands for hosting our elite athletes and the global hockey community in less than six months.

In a time of division, sports events like this can significantly contribute to uniting people and fostering peace during turbulent times,” the FIH quoted Tayyab Ikram.

The complete match schedule for both the men's and women's World Cup will be available on Wednesday (March 18).

Mascots Unveiled

Additionally, two vibrant mascots representing the joy, teamwork, and energy of hockey were introduced on Tuesday. Round and reminiscent of a hockey ball, they embody how hockey unites individuals from every part of the globe. A campaign will soon invite fans to suggest names for these mascots.

The Groupings:

Men:

Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (Will play in the Netherlands)

Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (Belgium)

Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (Belgium)

Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (Netherlands)

Women:

Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (will play in the Netherlands)

Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (Belgium)

Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (Belgium)

Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (Netherlands).