Amsterdam, March 18, 2026: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially unveiled the full schedule for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August.
The tournament will kick off with an exciting opener as India face Wales at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. Pakistan’s national hockey team will also begin their campaign on 15 August, taking on England at 10:00 pm PKT, followed by a match against Wales on 17 August.
A major highlight of the group stage will be the high-voltage clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, scheduled for 19 August at 6:00 pm PKT.
The 16-team tournament draw was conducted earlier this week at Wagener Stadium, attended by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice-President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, along with head coaches and captains of Belgium and the Netherlands.
Pool allocations:
- Pool A: Netherlands, Japan, Argentina, New Zealand
- Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia
- Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa
- Pool D: Pakistan, India, England, Wales
The tournament format allows the top two teams from each pool to advance to the next stage, forming two new groups of four. Pool E will comprise the leading sides from Pools A and D, while Pool F will feature the top teams from Pools B and C.
The top two finishers from Pools E and F will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners contesting the final at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, on 30 August.
The 2026 edition promises thrilling contests and a showcase of elite international hockey, with Pakistan aiming to add to its illustrious four-time World Cup-winning legacy.
