Join WhatsApp Channel
Neighbors, arch-rivals, and former powerhouses of world hockey, India and Pakistan have been drawn together for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands in August.
India, Pakistan, England, and Wales have been placed in Pool D, while co-host the Netherlands will compete in Pool A alongside Argentina, New Zealand, and Japan. Matches in Pools A and D will be held in the Netherlands.
In Pool B, co-host Belgium will face Germany, France, and Malaysia. Pool C comprises Australia, Spain, Ireland, and South Africa. The pools were announced during the official draw ceremony held on Tuesday at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, one of the tournament venues. The other venue is the newly built Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.
In the women’s competition, India has been placed in Pool D with China, England, and South Africa. Co-host the Netherlands is in Pool A with Australia, Chile, and Japan, with matches in both Pools A and D scheduled to take place in the Netherlands.
Pool B in the women’s section includes Argentina, Germany, the United States, and Scotland. Pool C features co-host Belgium alongside Spain, New Zealand, and Ireland. Matches in Pools B and C will be played in Belgium.
The draw ceremony was conducted by international hockey legends Naomie van As, Barbara Neelen, and Teun de Nooijer, along with DJ La Fuente, who was named Dutch Ambassador for the World Cup during the event.
Among those in attendance were FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice-President and Euro Hockey President Marcos Hofman, FIH Executive Board Member Erik Cornelissen, Dutch Hockey Federation President Erik Klein Nagelvoort, and Belgian Hockey Federation President Patrick Keusters. The event was also attended by team captains from the Netherlands and Belgium, head coaches from both nations, representatives of local authorities, commercial partners, and other guests.
This marks the first time that the FIH Hockey World Cups for both men and women will be co-hosted by two countries, with both tournaments being held simultaneously in the Netherlands and Belgium.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said, “Today’s draw marks another major milestone on the road to the most prestigious FIH event, the FIH Hockey World Cup! The upcoming edition, for both women and men, co-hosted by two hockey powerhouses, promises to be a resounding success. We are very grateful to both Belgium and the Netherlands for hosting our top athletes and the global hockey community in less than six months’ time.”
In today’s fractured world, sport—and events such as this in particular—can play a substantial role in bringing people together. It can foster peace at times when our world is torn apart by conflict, he noted.
“I invite all fans around the world to join in, and I already wish all participating athletes an unforgettable experience” he added.
