The Indian Women's Hockey Team arrives at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 — scheduled from 15 to 30 August 2026 — on the back of a qualification campaign defined by grit, a Nations Cup triumph, and a string of individual milestones that signal a squad maturing at the right moment.

Qualification Journey

India's path to the World Cup was anything but straightforward. At the Women's Asia Cup 2025, the side came agonisingly close to automatic qualification, reaching the final before losing to host nation China — a defeat that cost them the direct berth but, by most accounts, sharpened the team's resolve rather than dented it.

The squad regrouped at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifiers held in Hyderabad in March 2026. Playing before a home crowd under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne, India went unbeaten through the group stage and secured their World Cup place with a 1-0 win over Italy in the semi-final. England defeated India in the final, but the result was irrelevant to qualification — both teams were already through. India took the silver medal; more importantly, they took the ticket to Belgium and the Netherlands.

Nations Cup Triumph in New Zealand

Any lingering doubts about India's form were dispelled at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, where the side went through the entire tournament undefeated. The campaign opened with a 3-2 comeback win against the United States, overturning a two-goal deficit, before further victories over Japan and Uruguay secured top spot in the group.

Captain Salima Tete led the side to a commanding 6-0 semi-final win over Chile, and the team then defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final to lift the Nations Cup title — also earning promotion back to the FIH Pro League. Drag-flicker Deepika finished as joint top scorer of the tournament with six goals, underlining India's attacking depth heading into the World Cup.

Key Performers and Milestones

The qualification cycle has been punctuated by significant individual landmarks. Forward Navneet Kaur earned her 200th international cap during the Women's Asia Cup 2025 and followed that up by scoring four goals at the Hyderabad qualifiers — including a hat-trick against Wales — to be named Player of the Tournament. Defender Nikki Pradhan also reached 200 international appearances during the qualifiers, while captain Salima Tete marked her 150th cap in the final against England.

World Cup Schedule and Pool Draw

India have been placed in Pool D alongside China, England, and South Africa. All pool matches will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India open their campaign against China on 16 August, face South Africa on 18 August, and close the group stage against England on 20 August.

Notably, India will meet two of the sides they encountered during qualification — England and China — in the very first round, giving the group stage an immediate edge. With momentum from the Nations Cup and a settled core of experienced players, India will look to translate recent form into a deep run at the sport's biggest stage.