Dutch ambassador

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: Traditional rivals India and Pakistan have been grouped in the same Pool D for the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and will play their matches in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the event jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Matches will be played in Amsterdam and Wavre (Belgium) from August 15 to 30, 2026.

England and Wales are the other teams in Pool D in the 16-team draw in which teams have been divided in four groups of four each. It's a tough draw for India as they will have to top England and Pakistan to bag the direct spot in the quarterfinals, while the second and third placed teams in each ground will participate in the Cross-Over matches to clinch their berths in the top-eight stage.

In the Women's FIH World Cup, which will be held on the same dates by Belgium and the Netherlands, Indian women will again face England, along with Asian champions China, and African champions South Africa in Pool D.