# Hockey World Cup 2026 begins August 15, India face Pakistan

2026-08-12T15:27:07+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The 16th edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup begins on August 15, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands across venues in Wavre and Amstelveen. Germany are the defending men's champions, while the Netherlands hold the women's crown. Sixteen teams compete in each gender, split into four pools. India's men are in Pool D with England, Pakistan, and Wales; their women face China, South Africa, and England. India open against Wales on August 15 and play Pakistan on August 19. The tournament features a new format: a first pool stage, followed by a crossover pool stage replacing quarterfinals, then knockout semifinals and finals on August 30. All matches broadcast on Star Sports and JioHotstar.

## Coverage

- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/hockey/fih-hockey-world-cup-winners-list-full-history/article71300260.ece>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/hockey/mens-and-women-s-hockey-world-cup-2026-teams-full-india-schedule-streaming-and-format-explained-101786602846036.html>

Tags: Belgium hockey, Germany hockey, Hockey World Cup 2026, India hockey, Netherlands hockey, Pakistan hockey
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