AMSTELVEEN, Aug 15 : India began their campaign in the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup against Wales on Saturday, with Harmanpreet Singh’s side aiming to end a 51 year wait for another World Cup title.
The tournament got underway on August 15 in Belgium and the Netherlands, with India drawn in Pool D alongside Wales, England and Pakistan. India’s opening match against Wales was scheduled at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
India’s only men’s World Cup triumph came in 1975, when the team lifted the trophy in Kuala Lumpur. More than five decades later, the side enters the competition with renewed ambitions of returning to the top of world hockey.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead an Indian squad that has retained a strong core of experienced players while also relying on younger members to deliver on the biggest international stage.
The Pool D schedule presents a demanding challenge. After Wales, India are due to face England on August 17 before meeting arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19.
The 2026 edition is being staged from August 15 to 30 and introduces a new competition format. India will look to make a strong start against Wales before facing two tougher pool stage assignments.
With the tournament beginning on India’s Independence Day, the campaign carries an added sense of occasion for the players and supporters as the team seeks to revive memories of its historic 1975 triumph.