2026 Hockey World Cup Schedule Announced: India Set for Key Matches

The International Hockey Federation has released the match schedule for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. India's men's team will kick off their campaign against Wales, while the women's team faces China. Both teams are eager to make their mark in this prestigious tournament. The men's team has a rich history in the World Cup, while the women's team aims for their first title. Read on for detailed match schedules and more insights into this exciting event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 02:18 IST

2026 Hockey World Cup Match Schedule Released

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially announced the match schedule for the upcoming 2026 Hockey World Cup, which will take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Indian Men's team is set to begin their tournament with a match against Wales, while the Women's team will face China in their opening game.

Both the men's and women's tournaments will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, running from August 15 to August 30.

India's men's hockey team, competing in Pool D, will start their journey against Wales on August 15 at 16:30 IST at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. Following this, they will play against England on August 17 at 18:30 IST, and a much-anticipated match against Pakistan on August 19 at 18:30 IST.

Historically, the Indian men's team has participated in all 15 previous Hockey World Cups, with their sole championship victory occurring in 1975.

India Men's Schedule (Pool D):

August 15: India vs Wales – 16:30

August 17: India vs England – 18:30

August 19: Pakistan vs India – 18:30

On the women's side, India's team, also in Pool D, will commence their campaign against China on August 16 at 16:30 IST. They will subsequently face South Africa on August 18 at 18:30 IST, concluding the group stage against England on August 20 at 18:30 IST.

India's women's team secured their spot in the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup by finishing as runners-up in the qualifiers held in Hyderabad earlier this month, although they are still in search of their first World Cup title.

India Women's Schedule (Pool D):

August 16: China vs India – 16:30

August 18: India vs South Africa – 18:30

August 20: India vs England – 18:30

Germany's men's team enters the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup as the defending champions, while the Netherlands, as co-hosts, will compete as the reigning women's title holders.