India Create History In Hockey World Cup, Become First Team In The World To…

Last Updated:August 15, 2026, 4:17 PM IST

India are the first team in FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup history to feature in all 16 editions of the tournament.

India become first team to feature in all 16 editions of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. (Picture Credit: AFP)

India are taking on Wales in their first Pool D match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 on Saturday (August 15). The fixture between the two teams is taking place at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. By taking the field against Wales in their opening match of this year’s FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, India entered the history books.

India are the first team in FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup history to feature in all 16 editions of the tournament.

India made their men’s hockey World Cup debut in 1971 and finished third. They have since participated in the 1973, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2023 and 2026 editions.

India in men’s hockey World Cup

Apart from India, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain had also featured in all 15 previous editions of the Men’s Hockey World Cup, and they are participating in this year’s edition as well. However, since India are playing their match before them, they officially became the first team to feature in all 16 editions of the Men’s Hockey World Cup.

India finished third in the inaugural edition of the Men’s Hockey World Cup and were runners-up in the 1973 edition, which was played in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.

India won their first and only FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup title in 1975. In the summit clash of the 1975 World Cup, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

India conceded the first goal in that fixture but scored twice in the second half to secure a famous victory.

In the 2023 edition of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, India finished ninth.

India to also face England and Pakistan

After opening their campaign against Wales, India will face England in their second Pool D match on Monday (August 17) before taking on arch-rivals Pakistan on Wednesday (August 19).

Harmanpreet to captain India

Star defender Harmanpreet Singh is leading India in the ongoing FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. Apart from him, former captain Manpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Vivek Sagar Prasad are also part of India’s squad.

India’s squad for FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026

• Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera.
• Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach.
• Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad.
• Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek.

Key Questions Answered

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How will India perform in the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

India is aiming to win the 2026 Hockey World Cup, which would be their first title since 1975. The team is led by captain Harmanpreet Singh and includes a mix of experienced players and promising new talent. They are in Pool D with England, Wales, and Pakistan.

What are India’s chances against England and Pakistan?

India is in Pool D with England, Pakistan, and Wales for the Hockey World Cup 2026. Pakistan’s chief selector Samiullah Khan stated that his team aims to hold India to a draw and considers England their toughest opponent in the group.

Could India win their second Hockey World Cup title?

India won their first and only FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup title in 1975. They are aiming to end a 51-year title drought in the current tournament.

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About the Author

Harshit BishtSenior Sub-editor

Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More

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