As the clock ticks down to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, hockey fever is gripping the nation. The prestigious tournament, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, is scheduled to run from August 15 to 30, 2026, with India primed to challenge for its first World Cup gold since 1975. Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Men in Blue, who are drawn in a challenging Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales.
India’s campaign will commence on Saturday, August 15, with a match against Wales. The team will then face England two days later, before the much-anticipated encounter with Pakistan. All of India’s group stage matches are set to take place at the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
India’s Group Stage Schedule (All times in IST)
| Date | Opponent | Time (IST) | Venue | Competition Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2026 | Wales | 4:30 PM | Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen | Group D |
| August 17, 2026 | England | 6:30 PM | Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen | Group D |
| August 19, 2026 | Pakistan | 6:30 PM | Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen | Group D |
The Road Ahead
This edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup introduces a revamped competition format. It replaces the traditional quarter-finals with a second group stage, ensuring that every team plays at least five matches before the knockout rounds. Defending champions Germany will be looking to retain their title, having clinched the trophy in the previous edition in Bhubaneswar.
Where to Watch FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Hockey enthusiasts across various regions can catch all the action:
- India: Fans in India can watch the live telecast of all FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 matches on the Star Sports Network (SD and HD channels). Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website. Matches will be available on DD Sports on DD Free Dish platform.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, Channel 4 has secured exclusive broadcast rights. All England and Wales men’s group matches, along with top-tier neutral matches, will be available live and free on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA: For viewers in the United States, the US Women’s National Team’s matches will be aired on CBS Sports Network. For other matches, including the men’s tournament, the official global streaming platform, Watch.Hockey, offers a World Cup Pass for live coverage.
- Australia: Australian fans can watch every Kookaburras (men’s national team) match live and free on 7plus.
- Global Streaming: The official streaming platform for the tournament worldwide, where local broadcasters do not hold exclusive rights, is Watch.Hockey, which offers a World Cup Pass for comprehensive coverage.
The Indian men’s team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, enters the tournament with high expectations, hoping to replicate the success of 1975 and bring home the coveted World Cup trophy. The new format promises an intense and engaging tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling fortnight of world-class hockey action.