Pakistan set for India clash on August 19 at 2026 Hockey World Cup

Pakistan will face India in one of the standout fixtures of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with the much-anticipated group-stage match scheduled for August 19 in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. The International Hockey Federation confirmed the tournament schedule on March 18, a day after announcing the pool draw.

The men’s World Cup will run from August 15 to 30 and will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan have been drawn in Pool D alongside India, England and Wales, setting up a demanding group for a team returning to the World Cup stage after an eight-year absence.

Pakistan will open their campaign against England on August 15 at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. They will then take on Wales on August 17 before meeting India two days later at the same venue. The schedule places all three of Pakistan’s group matches in the Netherlands leg of the tournament.

Pakistan secured their place in the World Cup by reaching the final of the qualification event in Ismailia, Egypt. Although they fell 4-1 to England in the final, the run was enough to send them through to the main event and revive hopes of a stronger showing on hockey’s biggest stage.

The 2026 edition will feature 16 men’s teams and matches spread across two venues: Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium. For Pakistan, the clash against India is expected to be one of the most closely watched matches of the opening round, given the history and intensity of the rivalry.