Hockey World Cup 2026: India-Pakistan Clash Set for August

A big field hockey tournament called the FIH Hockey World Cup starts on August 15.

It is being played in two countries at the same time: Belgium and the Netherlands.

India has both a men's team and a women's team in the tournament.

The men's team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, will play England, Pakistan and Wales.

The men's game against Pakistan on August 19 is the most exciting one, and it is the first time the teams have met at a World Cup in 16 years.

The women's team will play China, South Africa and England, and they recently won gold in the Pro League.

The men last won the World Cup in 1975, which was a very long time ago.

The women's best finish was fourth place in 1974, so they hope to win a medal for the first time.

This year there are no quarter-finals; teams play an extra middle round before the semi-finals.

Every match matters because results decide which teams move on.