India are all set to enter the campaign at the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 hosted by Belgium and Netherlands, with high hopes. The team have never lifted the trophy or stood on a podium at this mega event, and thus will be eying a historic fits.
Led by head coach Sjoerd Marijne, who previously steered the team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, India secured their spot in this World Cup by winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand.
Format
India have been placed in Pool D, where they will face off against China, South Africa, and England. The tournament format this year has seen a major shake-up as there are no traditional quarter-finals.
Instead, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the second round, carrying forward the points they earned against the other qualifying team from their group. In this next phase, the two advancing teams from Pool D will clash with the top two teams from Pool A (which includes Australia, Chile, Japan, and Netherlands). Only the top two from these newly formed second-round groups will secure a spot in the semifinals.
On the other hand, the bottom two teams from the first and second round pools will play in classification matches.
India’s Schedule For Women’s World Cup 2026
All of India’s group-stage matches will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, the same venue where India will play their games at the .
Here is when you can catch the action:
August 16: India vs China at 4:30 p.m. (IST)
August 18: India vs South Africa at 6:30 p.m. (IST)
August 20: India vs England at 6:30 p.m. (IST)
Fans in India can catch all the live television broadcasts on the Star Sports Network and stream the matches on the JioHotstar app and website.
India Squad For Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung