The 2026 Hockey World Cup will begin on August 15 in Belgium and the Netherlands, with 16 men's and 16 women's teams competing for the world title. The tournament will continue through August 30.
Pakistan and India have been drawn into the same group in the men's tournament and will meet on August 19 at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The match will mark the two traditional rivals' first World Cup meeting in 16 years.
Pakistan will open its World Cup campaign against England on August 15, followed by a match against Wales on August 17 and the highly anticipated clash with India on August 19. India will face Wales on August 15, England on August 17 and Pakistan on August 19.
Pakistan and India have faced each other five times in World Cup history, with India winning three encounters and Pakistan two. The two sides also contested the 1975 World Cup final, which India won.
Pakistan is a four-time Hockey World Cup champion, having won the title in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994. India has won the tournament once, in 1975.
The 2026 tournament also introduces a new format, replacing the traditional quarter-final stage with a second pool phase. Teams will progress into cross-pools after the opening stage, with the top sides advancing to the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled for August 28, while the bronze-medal match and final will be played on August 30.
