Hockey India has announced a 20-member squad for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30. Star defender Harmanpreet Singh will captain the Indian side, while veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh adds valuable experience to a squad that combines seasoned campaigners with promising young talent.
Head coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the team’s balance and depth, saying the players have earned their places through consistent performances. India will rely on goalkeepers Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while the defensive unit includes Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach.
The midfield features Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage. In attack, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra will spearhead India’s challenge.
India have been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, with all group-stage matches scheduled in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The team will open its campaign against Wales on August 15, face England on August 17 and take on arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19 in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Fulton said the team’s philosophy of “press, counter, perform” will guide its approach throughout the competition. He also noted that, 50 years after India’s historic 1975 World Cup triumph, the current squad has an opportunity to create a new chapter in Indian hockey history with a strong performance on the world stage.
