India must beat Pakistan to reach Hockey World Cup second round

India face a must-win match against Pakistan on Wednesday to qualify for the second round of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, after a 4-2 defeat to England in Amstelveen. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side led 2-1 at half-time but conceded three goals in the second half, leaving them second in Pool D with three points. England top the pool with six points and have already advanced.

India's equation is straightforward: a win guarantees a top-two finish and a place in Pool E, regardless of the result between England and Wales. A draw would take India to four points, but they would still need England to avoid defeat against Wales to be certain. If Wales beat England, goal difference would decide the second spot, and India currently hold a superior goal difference of zero against Wales's minus two.

A loss to Pakistan would knock India out of the tournament, as Pakistan would move to four points and India would remain on three. Under the new format, India's head-to-head result against England will carry into Pool E if both advance, meaning England start with three points and India with none. India beat Wales 3-1 in their opening match. Nicholas Bandaruk scored twice for England, Harmanpreet Singh and Dilpreet Singh scored for India.