Overview
- The International Hockey Federation has replaced quarterfinals with a three‑phase format that moves top two teams from each initial pool into crossover pools where earlier results against the same opponent are carried forward.
- The World Cups run from August 15 to 30, 2026, jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.
- India’s men and women are both drawn in Pool D; the men face Wales, England and Pakistan with matches on August 15, 17 and 19, and squads are led by captain Harmanpreet Singh and coach Craig Fulton.
- Tickets are available via the tournament portal and matches will be broadcast in India on Star Sports with streaming on JioHotstar, with venue capacities expanded for the event.
- The format change raises tactical stakes by valuing consistency and head‑to‑head results early on, which shifts coaching focus to winning pool openers and could alter team selection, preparation and fan planning for travel and viewing.