FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: India schedule, squads, TV and streaming guide
Synopsis
India enters the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 on two fronts — and the stakes could not be higher. The men, chasing their first title since 1975, face arch-rivals Pakistan on 19 August. The women, fresh off a Pro League gold, are targeting their first-ever World Cup medal. Both squads play their opening phase at Amstelveen, with all matches live on Star Sports and Jiostar.
Key Takeaways
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 runs from 16 August to 30 August 2026 , jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands .
India men's team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh , face Wales (15 Aug) , England (17 Aug) , and Pakistan (19 Aug) in Pool D.
India women's team, captained by Salima Tete , face China (16 Aug) , South Africa (18 Aug) , and England (20 Aug) in Pool D.
All India opening-phase matches are at the Wagener Stadium , Amstelveen, Netherlands.
Live coverage available on Star Sports ; streaming on Jiostar .
India men last won the World Cup in 1975 ; the women's best finish is fourth place (1974).
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 gets underway on Saturday, 16 August, with both the Indian men's and Indian women's hockey teams entering the tournament as medal contenders. Belgium and the Netherlands are jointly hosting the prestigious competition, which runs through 30 August 2026.
Venues and Broadcast Details
Matches will be held across two venues: the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and the Belfius Arena in Wavre, Belgium. All of India's opening-phase fixtures are scheduled at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
Indian viewers can follow the action live on Star Sports, with live streaming available on Jiostar.
India Men's Schedule and Pool D Fixtures
The Harmanpreet Singh-captained Indian men's side has been drawn in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales. Their opening-phase fixtures are as follows:
15 August: India vs Wales — 4:30 pm IST
17 August: India vs England — 6:30 pm IST
19 August: India vs Pakistan — 6:30 pm IST
The India vs Pakistan clash on 19 August is widely expected to be the most-watched match of the opening phase. India will, however, first need to navigate their ties against Wales and England.
India are chasing their first World Cup title since 1975. The team has previously claimed silver at the 1973 edition and bronze at the 1971 edition. In recent years, the men's side has shown consistent form on the global stage, winning bronze at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
India Women's Schedule and Pool D Fixtures
The Indian women's team is also placed in Pool D, where they will face China, South Africa, and England. Their schedule:
16 August: India vs China — 4:30 pm IST
18 August: India vs South Africa — 6:30 pm IST
20 August: India vs England — 6:30 pm IST
India's best finish at the women's World Cup remains fourth place, achieved at the inaugural edition in 1974. The squad arrives in strong form, having won gold in the Pro League, and will look to carry that momentum into their first-ever World Cup medal.
India Men's Squad for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek
India Women's Squad for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika Sehrawat, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
With both sides entering the tournament in competitive form, India's campaign at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike as the country seeks its long-awaited return to the podium.
Point of View
A persistent gap that raises questions about tournament temperament. The India-Pakistan pool fixture on 19 August will generate enormous noise, but India's real test will be how they handle the knockout rounds — where past editions have exposed tactical and fitness limitations. The women's Pro League gold is encouraging, but the World Cup field is a different proposition. How both squads manage the European conditions and the compressed schedule will be the real story.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 start?
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 begins on Saturday, 16 August 2026, and runs until 30 August 2026. Matches are being played at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and the Belfius Arena in Wavre, Belgium.
Where can I watch the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in India?
Indian viewers can watch the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 live on Star Sports. Live streaming is available on the Jiostar platform.
What is India men's schedule in the Hockey World Cup 2026?
India men play Wales on 15 August (4:30 pm IST), England on 17 August (6:30 pm IST), and Pakistan on 19 August (6:30 pm IST). All three matches are at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
What is India women's schedule in the Hockey World Cup 2026?
India women face China on 16 August (4:30 pm IST), South Africa on 18 August (6:30 pm IST), and England on 20 August (6:30 pm IST). All matches are at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
When did India last win the Hockey World Cup?
The Indian men's team last won the Hockey World Cup in 1975. They have also won silver in 1973 and bronze in 1971. The women's team's best finish remains fourth place, achieved at the inaugural women's World Cup in 1974.
