New Delhi: The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is set to make history as both the Men’s and Women’s World Cups are staged simultaneously in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to August 30. Featuring 16 teams in each competition, the tournament introduces a fresh two stage league format before the knockout rounds, promising more high intensity matches on the road to the world title.
Reigning men’s champions Germany return to defend the crown they won in India in 2023, while co hosts Belgium will look to lift the trophy on home soil. In the women’s event, the world’s leading hockey nations will battle for the sport’s biggest prize alongside the Olympic title.
India begin their campaign against Wales on the opening day and are drawn in a challenging Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales. Other pools feature title contenders including Belgium, Germany, Australia, Netherlands and Argentina.
The women’s competition also includes 16 international teams, divided into four pools of four. The top two teams from each group progress to the second stage, with carried forward results determining the semifinalists under the new format.
Matches will be played at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, and the historic Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. Both venues have been expanded to accommodate 10,000 spectators for the World Cup.
With the world’s finest men’s and women’s hockey teams competing over 16 days, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the biggest and most memorable Hockey World Cups ever staged.
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