Hockey World Cup 2026: India Name Squads With Harmanpreet and Salima Tete to Lead the Charge in Belgium and Netherlands
Indian hockey has its blueprint in place for the biggest tournament of the cycle. Hockey India has confirmed both its men’s and women’s squads for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August, with familiar leaders at the helm and genuine ambitions on the global stage.
Men’s squad: Harmanpreet leads the way
The 20-member Indian men’s squad was announced on 21 July, with star drag-flicker and captain Harmanpreet Singh once again leading the side. India have been handed a demanding but exciting group-stage schedule: they open their campaign against Wales on 15 August, before facing England and then arch-rivals Pakistan — the latter always among the most anticipated fixtures in world hockey.
With Harmanpreet’s penalty-corner threat as their spearhead, India will fancy their chances of navigating the group and making a deep run. The clash with Pakistan, in particular, promises to be a highlight of the entire tournament.
Women’s squad: Salima Tete takes charge
Hockey India named its 20-member women’s squad on 17 July, with Salima Tete leading the side. The women’s team, which qualified via a strong run in the qualifiers earlier in the year, will be looking to make its mark at a World Cup that offers a golden opportunity to announce India as a rising force in the women’s game. Tete’s energy and leadership from midfield will be central to India’s hopes.
Encouraging signs from the juniors
There was good news from the development pipeline too. The India U21 men’s team wrapped up a six-match exposure tour of Belgium with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Netherlands on 18 July — a result that speaks well of the depth coming through and of India’s ability to compete with Europe’s traditional powerhouses on their own turf.
The bigger picture
A World Cup co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands — two of the sport’s heavyweights — will be a searching test for both Indian sides. But with proven leaders in Harmanpreet and Salima Tete, a strong recent record in major events, and promising young talent emerging, India travel to the tournament with real belief. The men begin against Wales on 15 August; the countdown is on.
Prime Hunt Daily brings you full coverage of India’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign.