The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup is set to be a thrilling event, with one of the most anticipated matches being India vs Pakistan. This historic rivalry will take center stage in the men's edition of the tournament, which begins on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The South Asian neighbors, with a shared history of conflict and partition, find themselves in the same group, setting the stage for an intense and highly-anticipated showdown.
The Setting: Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, The Netherlands
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by Wavre, Belgium, and Amstelveen, The Netherlands, from August 15 to 30, 2026. This international event will feature 16 teams in each of the men's and women's editions, divided into four pools. The tournament format has been carefully crafted to ensure an exciting and competitive atmosphere.
The Pools: A Battle of Skills
The men's pools are as follows:
- Pool A: Argentina, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand
- Pool B: Belgium, France, Germany, Malaysia
- Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa
- Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales
The women's pools are:
- Pool A: Australia, Chile, Japan, Netherlands
- Pool B: Argentina, Germany, Scotland, United States
- Pool C: Belgium, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand
- Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa
A New Format: Crossover Pools
This year's edition introduces a unique format that eliminates the quarterfinal stage. Instead, a second phase called the 'crossover pools' will take place. After the initial pool stage, teams will be regrouped into four new pools based on their performance in the first round. This phase will consist of three additional matches, creating an exciting twist to the tournament.
India vs Pakistan: A Historic Encounter
India's men's hockey team will face Pakistan in Pool D on August 19, 2026, at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, The Netherlands. The match will commence at 15:00 local time, which translates to 6:30 pm in India and 6 pm in Pakistan. This will be the first time in 16 years that these two teams meet in the Hockey World Cup.
The last encounter between India and Pakistan was in the 2010 edition, hosted in India's capital, New Delhi. The hosts emerged victorious with a 4-1 win in a Pool match. Historically, India and Pakistan have faced each other five times at the Hockey World Cup, with India claiming three wins and Pakistan securing two.
The only Hockey World Cup final between the two nations was in 1975, where India emerged as the champion with a 2-1 victory. India has won the Hockey World Cup just once, in 1975, while Pakistan boasts an impressive four titles: 1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994. Pakistan's dominance in the men's category is undeniable.
Where to Watch: Global Coverage
Fans across the globe will have the opportunity to witness the India vs Pakistan match and the entire tournament. In India, Star Sports and JioHotstar will broadcast the event. For Pakistan, Tapmad will be the platform to catch the action. Additionally, Watch.Hockey will provide worldwide coverage, ensuring that hockey enthusiasts everywhere can enjoy the excitement.
The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup promises to be a spectacle, with the India vs Pakistan match taking center stage. The tournament's format, combined with the intense rivalry between these nations, is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matches and memorable moments that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
