Hockey India, on Monday, announced the 20-member Indian men’s squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 to be held from 15 to 30 August 2026.
Ace defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the side. Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player, brings vast experience to a balanced squad comprising a blend of experience and young talent.
“This is a well-balanced squad — the right mix of tournament experience and in-form youth who’ve earned their spot through performance, not reputation,” Chief Coach Fulton said, while sharing his thoughts on the shape of the squad.
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India, drawn in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, will play all its pool-stage matches in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
“Press, counter, perform isn’t just our tactical identity – it’s how this group trains and thinks together every single day. We are not getting ahead of ourselves — one game at a time, all in, is the mentality we’re taking into every match,” Fulton added.
India will begin its campaign against Wales on 15 August, before taking on England on 17 August and arch-rival Pakistan on 19 August, which remains the most sought-after fixture of the pool stage.
“Fifty years since 1975 (World Cup win), this group has a chance to write its own chapter in Indian hockey history, and we are really excited about it,” Fulton concluded.
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Published on Jul 21, 2026