Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 14: India will begin their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign on August 15, carrying the legacy of their historic 1975 triumph while looking to build a new chapter under captain Harmanpreet Singh.

India’s only World Cup title came in 1975, when Ajit Pal Singh led the team to glory in Kuala Lumpur. More than five decades later, the achievement remains a defining moment in Indian hockey history.

Harmanpreet will lead India at his second World Cup as captain, having also captained the side at the 2023 edition. He becomes only the second Indian after Ajit Pal Singh to captain the country at two World Cups.

India head into the tournament with encouraging results from the final phase of the FIH Pro League. The team recorded victories over reigning world champions Germany and Olympic champions the Netherlands, besides defeating arch-rivals Pakistan twice and overcoming England in a shootout.

The results will be particularly significant at the World Cup, with both Pakistan and England drawn in India's pool.

India have been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales.

The Harmanpreet Singh-led side will open their campaign against Wales on August 15, followed by a clash against England on August 17 before taking on Pakistan on August 19.

With a closely contested pool, India will need consistent performances from the opening game to secure their place in the next phase.

The 2026 tournament also features a revised format, with no conventional quarterfinal stage. The top two teams from each of the four initial pools will progress to the second phase.

The eight qualifying teams will be divided into Pools E and F, while the remaining eight teams will compete in Pools G and H for classification. The top two teams from each of Pools E and F will advance to the semi-finals.

For India, the challenge will be to turn their rich history and recent form into a strong World Cup campaign as they seek to end a 51-year wait for the title.