Amstelveen, Netherlands, March 17, 2026: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday announced the pools for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, set to take place in Belgium and Netherlands from August 15 to 30.
The pools were revealed during the official draw ceremony held at the Wagener Stadium, attended by Tayyab Ikram, Marcos Hofman, along with head coaches and captains of the host nations and other officials.
The tournament will feature 16 teams, including four-time champions Pakistan national field hockey team, divided into four pools:
Pool composition
- Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, Japan, New Zealand
- Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia
- Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa
- Pool D: Pakistan, India, England, Wales
According to the FIH, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the second stage, where eight teams will be divided into two new groups:
- Pool E: Top two teams from Pools A and D
- Pool F: Top two teams from Pools B and C
The top two teams from each of these groups will then progress to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled to be held at the Belfius Hockey Arena on August 30.
The complete match schedule for the tournament will be announced in due course.
Pakistan’s placement in Pool D alongside arch-rivals India sets the stage for a highly anticipated clash in one of hockey’s most historic rivalries.
