India vs Pakistan set for Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, arch-rivals grouped together

The India men’s national field hockey team are set for a high-voltage showdown against Pakistan men’s national field hockey team after the arch-rivals were drawn together in Pool D of the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup in August.

Also featuring England and Wales, the group-stage matches will be held in the Netherlands, with the India–Pakistan clash expected to be one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament. The full schedule is yet to be announced.

India head into the contest with a clear upper hand, having remained unbeaten against Pakistan since 2016. Their last meeting came at the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. The two sides were also scheduled to face off at the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir, but Pakistan withdrew citing security concerns, with India eventually winning the title.

Pakistan, however, arrive with renewed momentum after qualifying for the World Cup in Egypt, marking their return to the tournament after an eight-year gap following a difficult run in recent months.

On the women’s side, the India women’s national field hockey team face a stern test in Pool D, where they have been drawn alongside China, England and South Africa. They too secured qualification through the playoffs and will look to build on their recent progress under coach Sjoerd Marijne.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Full Draw

Women’s Tournament

Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (Netherlands)

Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (Belgium)

Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (Belgium)

Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (Netherlands)

Men’s Tournament

Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (Netherlands)

Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (Belgium)

Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (Belgium)

Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (Netherlands)