Both the Indian men’s and women’s teams qualified for the second round of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, which is currently taking place in the Netherlands and Belgium, where both teams are aiming to rewrite history and turn around their poor record in the competition’s rich history. The Men and Women in Saffron both survived the first hurdle and qualified for the second round as per the new format, which sees another round-robin stage.
The Harmanpreet Singh-led side finished second in Group D with six points after beating Wales and Pakistan but losing to group winners England 4-2. They are in Group E and will face the hosts, the Netherlands, and Argentina in the second stage. However, due to their defeat against the Englishmen, the 1975 champions are at a major disadvantage as they have not carried forward any points and have a goal difference (GD) of -2. Meanwhile, both England and the Dutch have three points.
On the other hand, the Indian women’s team remained unbeaten in the group stage and finished second behind China. The two South Asian teams played a 2-2 draw against each other in their respective opening games. Later, India thrashed South Africa 6-1 in their biggest World Cup in history before playing a 0-0 draw with England. China defeated both South Africa and England.
The Indian women’s team is placed better than their male counterparts, as both they and China have carried forward one point and have a GD of 0.
Both teams will play all their games in this stage at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, where they also played their first-round matches.
India Men’s Hockey Team Schedule In The 2026 World Cup Second Round
India vs Netherlands on 22nd August (Saturday) at 7:30 PM IST
India vs Argentina on 24th August (Monday) at 6:15 PM IST
India Women’s Hockey Team Schedule In The 2026 World Cup Second Round
India vs Netherlands on 21st August (Friday) at 7:45 PM IST
India vs Australia on 23rd August (Sunday) at 10:30 PM IST