India will clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen in Netherlands on Wednesday (August 19, 2026). It will be the first clash between the two sides at the men’s Hockey World Cup in 16 years, since India’s 4-1 victory in New Delhi on March 4, 2010.
Drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh, who captained India to the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, will lead the side. Abu Bakar Mahmood will captain Pakistan’s 20-member squad. India began its campaign with a 3-1 win over Wales before suffering a 2-4 defeat to England. Pakistan drew with Wales but then lost 1-4 to England. India has remained unbeaten against Pakistan in 19 meetings since 2016, winning 17 matches and drawing two. The Indian side also registered 4-3 and 7-1 victories over Pakistan in the Pro League in London in June this year. Pakistan has not beaten India at a World Cup since 1986. However, it retains the historical advantage, having won the World Cup title four times, compared to India’s lone triumph in 1975.
The match will be telecast live on Star Sports and can be streamed on JioHotstar in India. India goes into the match placed second in Pool D with three points from two games and needs at least a draw to secure qualification for the next round. On the other hand, Pakistan, with one point, must win to keep its World Cup campaign alive.