Hockey World Cup 2026: Full match schedule, groups, India vs Pakistan

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will bring one of the sport’s most closely watched rivalries back into focus, with India and Pakistan drawn into the same men’s group. The tournament is set to run from August 15 to 30 and will be co-hosted by Wavre in Belgium and Amstelveen in the Netherlands. The men’s and women’s competitions each include 16 teams split into four opening pools.

In the men’s event, India, Pakistan, England and Wales make up Pool D. Al Jazeera notes that India will play Pakistan on August 19 at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, with the match scheduled for 15:00 local time. The article places the game in a broader historical context, saying the sides have not met at a World Cup since 2010 and have played five times at the tournament overall, with India holding a 3-2 edge.

The report also highlights a revised competition format for 2026. Instead of quarterfinals, teams will move from the pool stage into crossover pools, where they will play additional matches before the semifinals and placement rounds. This change is important because it affects how teams progress and increases the number of games after the opening round.

Al Jazeera also provides the full pool list and daily schedule for the men’s competition, along with television and streaming options by region. Beyond this report, the tournament’s scheduling and rivalry angle underscore why India-Pakistan matches remain among hockey’s most watched fixtures.