The Indian men’s hockey team are all set to renew their rivalry with Pakistan in hockey as the arch-rivals have been grouped together for the upcoming men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in August. India and Pakistan are in Pool D, alongside England and Wales, and will play their matches in the Netherlands.
The Indian women’s team also face a tricky lineup at the Women’s World Cup, being drawn in Pool D alongside China, England and South Africa. The full schedule is set to be announced soon, with all eyes on the date for the India vs Pakistan clash on the men’s side of things.
India have been unbeaten against Pakistan in men’s hockey since 2016, with their last meeting coming during 2024 during the Asian Champions Trophy. Both teams were supposed to face off in the Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar, before Pakistan decided to pull out of the tournament, citing security concerns. India went on to win the title and secure their spot in the World Cup.
Pakistan hockey endured a testing past few months after the players were subjected to an embarrassing ordeal during the Australia tour of their Hockey Pro League leg. However, they were able to turn things around in Egypt during the World Cup qualifiers and made it to the tournament for the first time in eight years.
India have a superior head-to-head record over Pakistan since 2013, winning 17 out of their 26 matches.
The Indian women’s team also secured their passage into the World Cup through the qualifiers and will look to continue their resurgence in Sjoerd Marijne’s second stint as coach.
FIH HOCKEY WORLD CUP: FULL DRAW
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