Wednesday 18 March 2026
Draw determines FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Pools!
Lausanne, Switzerland – An exciting official draw ceremony held today at the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands - one of the two venues where the upcoming World Cup will be held, alongside the brand-new Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium – has determined the eight Pools of the group stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026:
Hockey World Cup 2026 draw: India v Pakistan proves standout pool match
By Rod Gilmour
Naomi van As was on hand for 2026 WC draw
A new format but age old rivalry remained in tact as India and Pakistan were pitted together in a blockbuster men’s pool stage clash at this summer’s dual gender FIH World Cup following Tuesday’s draw in Amsterdam.
India and Pakistan Set for Explosive Clash in 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup
K ARUMUGAM
Traditional rivals India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the pool stage of the upcoming 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup, guaranteed after they were both clubbed into Pool D in today’s draw ceremony. The pairing promises one of the tournament’s most-watched encounters and ensures that Pool D, which also features England and Wales, will be a focal point from day one.
India men’s team to face Pakistan; women’s team drawn with England, China, South Africa
India’s last match against Pakistan came during the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, which it won 2-1. England and Wales are the other two teams in the group.
India had defeated Pakistan 10-2 during the 2023 Asian Games. | Photo Credit: AFP
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to lock horns at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup after the two were drawn in Pool D of the quadrennial event on Tuesday.
Pakistan, India drawn in same pool for FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026
Complete match schedule for 16-team mega event to be announced in due course
Pakistan's Ahmad Nadeem celebrates scoring their first goal during their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy match against India at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir City on September 14, 2024. — Asian Hockey Federation
AMSTERDAM: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday announced the pools of the Men's Hockey World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by Belgium and Netherlands from August 15 to 30.
India vs Pakistan head-to-head record in hockey: Arch-rivals set to meet at FIH World Cup 2026
The rivalry between India and Pakistan will be rekindled in 2026, a year in which they are set to face off at least three times.
India and Pakistan will also face off in the Pro League twice before the World Cup. | Photo Credit: Vedhan M.
India men’s hockey team on Tuesday was drawn against Pakistan in Pool D of the FIH World Cup 2026, set to take place from August 15 to 30 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
England and Wales drawn together at Hockey World Cup
England's men will be hoping to reach the final for the first time since 1986. Getty Images
England and Wales will face each other in the pool stages of the men's Hockey World Cup later this year.
Malaysia drawn in group of death
By Aftar Singh
The national men's hockey team have been drawn in the group of death at the World Cup in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands from Aug 14-30. NSTP FILE PIC
KUALA LUMPUR: The national men's hockey team have been drawn in the group of death at the World Cup in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands from Aug 14-30.
South Africa Women Face Top-Ten Trio in Pool D at FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Photo: Charmaine Botes Visser via Hockey SA
South Africa’s women’s hockey team have been placed in Pool D for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, where they will face world number four China, world number seven England, and world number nine India in the group stage, with all four Pool D nations to contest their matches at the Wagener Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands, announced following the draw on 17 March 2026.
Indian women's hockey coach Marijne happy with "competitive, balanced" FIH World Cup pool
New Delhi [India]: After confirming their qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, the Indian women's hockey team is preparing for the marquee event following the tournament draw revealed on Tuesday evening.
Sarjit out as Brendan takes over as chief in hockey shake-up
By T. AVINESHWARAN
Hear me out: Assistant coach Brendan Carolan (left) briefing the boys during training in 2023. (Insert) South African Brendan Carolan
KUALA LUMPUR: Brendan Carolan has been appointed head coach of the national hockey team, having previously served as the national team’s assistant coach.
Rotterdam deadly on own pitch and have club record in sight
Ramon Min
Rotterdam men have become the most prolific home team in the Tulp Hoofdklasse Men this season. In eight home matches, the team has already scored 45 goals, the highest number of any club in the league.
Vale Shirley Tonkin (née Haines)
Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and the Western Australian hockey community on the passing of Shirley Tonkin, a pioneer of Australian women’s hockey and a proud representative of her state and country.
Tuesday 17 March 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Pools to be revealed tomorrow!
Lausanne, Switzerland – Following two weeks of intense and thrilling hockey at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, during which no fewer than 14 teams secured their place at the most prestigious FIH event, the next major milestone on the road to the upcoming World Cup is just around the corner!
South Africa to Host FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2026 in Cape Town
The South African Hockey Association is proud to confirm that Cape Town will host the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup from 11–20 June 2026, bringing some of the world’s top international hockey teams to South African soil.
England women's outstanding 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier campaign
England’s women have completed an outstanding 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier campaign in India, claiming the gold medal and securing their place at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup in August after an impressive run of performances.
Navneet Kaur credits teammates and coaching staff for her strong performances at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana
The veteran forward was recognised as the Player of the Tournament
New Delhi: Veteran forward Navneet Kaur played a pivotal role in India’s impressive run at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana, finishing as the third-highest goal scorer of the tournament with four goals. The experienced attacker was instrumental in driving India’s offensive play throughout the campaign and was named the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for her standout performances. Navneet also scored a hattrick in India’s commanding 4-1 victory over Wales, underlining her influence in the team’s success.
Paul departs England Hockey for role in South Africa
Jody Paul will be leaving England Hockey and his role with the senior women’s squad in mid-April after taking a new role at Hilton College in South Africa.
Home grown coaches need of the hour: Dilip Tirkey
Arnab Lall Seal
Dilip Tirkey (Twitter Photo)
KOLKATA: Even as the Indian men’s and women’s teams continue to grow and flourish under two foreign coaches, Craig Fulton and Sjoerd Marijne, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey is looking to the future and hoping to prepare home-grown coaches who will be able to better handle the junior and then the senior teams.
The stats of the weekend: Jansen and Beljaars on record hunt
Ramon Min
Guus Jansen and Trijntje Beljaars
Trijntje Beljaars equalled a personal record, SCHC were rarely this good after 15 match rounds and Rotterdam are approaching a club record. Here are the numbers from the weekend.
EHL Premier Division Review | Week 12
Open/Men's Premier Division
The Open/Men's Premier Division restarted at the weekend and in the Top Six leaders Surbiton continued where they left off with a twelfth successive win, 5-0 over Wimbledon.
Surbiton restart English league with 12th successive win
Surbiton’s men sent a signal of intent to their English Premier Division rivals with a dominant 5-0 win over Wimbledon in the opening Phase 2 fixture of 2026.
Scottish Cup quarter-final outcomes
Once again Jamie Golden`s goal scoring prowess was evident as Edinburgh University were 2-1 winners over Grange in the men`s quarter-final. The Taysider scored twice for the students as they marched into the draw for the next round although David Nairn got one back for Grange with the last touch of the game, but much too late.
Vacancies – Performance Pathway
Scottish Hockey are delighted to be recruiting for key positions within our performance pathway programmes. These roles sit at the heart of our athlete development system, supporting excellence on and off the pitch. We’re seeking individuals with strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to creating high quality, athlete environments. If you’re driven by performance, motivated by purpose, and excited by the chance to shape Scotland’s future talent, we’d love to hear from you.
Tauqeer Dar: Most Suitable Person for Pakistan Hockey`s Revival
Pakistan has the potential to excel in every field.
By Ijaz Chaudhry
The prime requirement is Right Person for the Right Job
Pakistan's national game is Hockey. Also, the sport which has given us three golds and three silvers at the Olympics. Unfortunately, Pakistan hockey has hit rock bottom. Pakistan has failed to qualify for the last three Olympics.
There is one person who can reinvigorate Pakistan hockey and bring back the past glories.
What are the Foremost Requirements?
-Revitalising hockey at the Grassroots
-Getting Sponsorship
-Arranging Foreign Tours
-Bringing Foreign Teams
Tauqeer Dar (Olympic gold medallist 1984) has the Proven Credentials - Ticks all the Boxes
-He is running the Best Academy in Pakistan, Dar Hockey Academy which is a conveyer belt of talent; providing players to the national teams. Dar Academy boys have been regularly featuring in Pakistan's national and age group teams for the last 10 years
-Arranging Foreign Tours for his academy to top hockey nations: Six tours of Europe in the last 12 years: Holland, Belgium and Germany. Also tours to India & Malaysia.
-All through Sponsorship arranged by his own efforts; not a single penny from the government or federation
-In 2012, when terrorism was at its peak, he arranged a tour of Flying Dutch Veterans to Pakistan. The Dutch team was studded with Olympic & World Cup medallists. The team played three matches in Lahore including two matches at the Johar Town stadium watched by thousands of spectators.
Easily the most suitable person to turn Pakistan hockey’s fortunes around.
If Tauqeer is appointed the Secretary General of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, he can bring big business tycoons to sponsor hockey in the country. He can turn the PHF into a corporate body. Pakistan hockey will not be dependent on the government for any financial assistance and will also again see the international achievements of the past.
The following two videos give a good insight into the work & achievements of the Hockey Academy:
Dar Hockey Academy - A Great Success Story
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjAcFKWjRI0&t=331s
Dar Hockey Academy (Pakistan) Tour of Europe 2019
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TDyMDqK0Gk&t=32s
Ijaz...Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him & his work, visit http://www.sportscorrespondent.info