2 weeks ago
India begin Hockey World Cup campaign against Wales in Amstelveen
The Indian men's hockey team is starting a big tournament called the Hockey World Cup.
Their first game is against a team from Wales.
The game is happening in a town called Amstelveen in the Netherlands.
It is special because it is on India's Independence Day, when the country turns 80 years old.
The team captain is a player named Harmanpreet Singh.
India has not won this World Cup in a very long time, 51 years.
Their only World Cup gold medal was in 1975.
India has played Wales four times before and won every time.
They will play two more games in this round, against England and Pakistan.
Fans in India can watch the game on Star Sports or stream it on the JioStar app.
India face Wales in their opening Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on August 15.
The match is scheduled to start at 4:30 PM IST and coincides with India's 80th Independence Day.
India, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, aim to end a 51-year medal drought, with their only World Cup gold coming in 1975 under Ajit Pal Singh.
India are grouped with Wales, England, and Pakistan in Pool D, and need a top-two finish to reach the second single round-robin stage.
India have an all-win record against Wales in men's hockey, winning all four previous meetings since 2014.
- Who
- The Indian men's hockey team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh, facing Wales.
- What
- India's opening Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026, beginning their campaign to end a 51-year medal drought.
- Where
- Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
- When
- August 15, 2026, starting at 4:30 PM IST.
- Why
- India are aiming for an assertive start to qualify for the second single round-robin stage by finishing in the top two of Pool D.
India's World Cup medal chances
India's World Cup medal chances
Outlook heading into the tournament
India's World Cup medal chances
India enter with strong preparation and improved recent form, having beaten Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan and England in the FIH Pro League, suggesting they can end the 51-year drought.
India's World Cup medal chances
India face a challenging path with a long 51-year medal drought and must finish in the top two of a demanding Pool D that includes England and Pakistan to progress.
Key facts
- Tournament
- FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026
- Match
- India vs Wales, Pool D opener
- Venue
- Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen
- Date
- August 15, 2026
- Start Time
- 4:30 PM IST
- Indian captain
- Harmanpreet Singh
- Pool D opponents
- Wales, England, Pakistan
- Head-to-head
- India have won all four meetings vs Wales since 2014










