India and Pakistan to face off again in World Cup, placed in same group

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Hockey World Cup 2026 will begin on August 15, with the final scheduled for August 30. This edition will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the group stage draw for both men’s and women’s tournaments.

The Indian men’s and women’s teams have successfully qualified for the prestigious event. In the men’s category, India has been placed in Pool D along with Pakistan, England and Wales. The announcement was made during the draw ceremony held on March 17 at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam. The Indian men’s team will play all its matches in the Netherlands. The detailed match schedule is expected to be released on March 18.

Defending champions Germany have been placed in Pool B with Belgium, France and Malaysia. Germany had won the 2023 title in Bhubaneswar by defeating Belgium in the final, securing their third World Cup title.

India and Pakistan have faced each other five times in World Cup history, with India winning three matches and Pakistan winning two. Their last encounter took place in 2010 in New Delhi, where India registered a 4-1 victory.

Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 – Groups

Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan

Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia

Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa

Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales

In the women’s category, India has also been placed in Pool D, where it will compete against China, England and South Africa.

Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 – Groups

Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan

Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland

Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland

Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa

The tournament is expected to witness intense competition among the world’s top teams, with strong performances anticipated from India.