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 to reignite their storied rivalry with Pakistan men’s national field hockey team after the arch-rivals were drawn together for the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup in August.

Placed in Pool D alongside England and Wales, both teams will play their group-stage matches in the Netherlands, setting up a blockbuster clash that is already generating huge anticipation.

On the women’s side, the India women’s national field hockey team face a challenging campaign after being grouped with China, England and South Africa in Pool D. The full schedule is yet to be released, with fans eagerly awaiting the dates—especially for the marquee India vs Pakistan men’s encounter.

India head into the tournament with a psychological edge, having remained unbeaten against Pakistan since 2016. Their most recent meeting came at the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. The two sides were also slated to meet at the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, but Pakistan withdrew citing security concerns. India went on to lift the title and seal their World Cup berth.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have endured a turbulent run in recent months, including a difficult outing during their Hockey Pro League tour in Australia. However, they bounced back strongly in Egypt, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in eight years.

Historically, India have dominated the rivalry in recent times, winning 17 of their last 26 matches against Pakistan since 2013.

The Indian women’s team also booked their World Cup spot through the qualifiers and will aim to build on their resurgence under coach Sjoerd Marijne in his second stint.

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)