India Unveils Squad for FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026

Hockey India has announced the 20-member squad for the FIH Men's World Cup 2026, set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August. Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads the side, with the team placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales.

The squad features a combination of experienced players and promising young talent. Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the team’s potential to create a significant moment in Indian hockey history. He remarked, "This is a well-balanced squad—the right mix of tournament experience and in-form youth who've earned their spot through performance, not reputation."

Key players include veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, who is the most-capped player in the squad, and ace defender Harmanpreet Singh, who is also responsible for leading the team from the back. The selection encompasses two goalkeepers: Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while the defence consists of Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, and Yashdeep Siwach.

The midfield will feature a strong contingent with Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Nilakanta Sharma, complemented by the talents of Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage. For the forwards, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Shilanand Lakra will be pivotal in scoring.

India will commence their tournament against Wales on 15 August, followed by crucial matches against England on 17 August and Pakistan on 19 August. Fulton indicated the team’s focus is on a one-game-at-a-time strategy, saying, "Press, counter, perform isn't just our tactical identity – it's how this group trains and thinks together every single day."

He emphasised the excitement surrounding the team, stating that this opportunity comes fifty years after India last secured a World Cup victory in 1975. Fulton concluded with optimism for the upcoming matches, expressing the hope that this generation of players could write a new chapter in the legacy of Indian hockey.

Here’s the full squad: 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.

The knockout stages are set to begin on 21 August, culminating in the final on 30 August, making this a pivotal tournament for the Indian contingent as they aim for international recognition once more.