FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Can India Win the Title Again? Squad, Results & Podium Chances
India is on roll in Netherlands as both men’s and women’s team have done wonders in the opening round match of FIH World Cup where Coach Craig fulton and his men won against wales by 3-1 and credit should be given where it is due as skipper Harmanpreet Singh was on roll and brilliantly support by Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera along with Sanjay.
The only concern for India could be too much dependency on Harmanpreet Singh also backup plans should be bring in place team’s mental fortitude should be kept in mind, Indian men’s team is looking to win 2nd title after 1975 however road won’t be easy for them.

India certainly have potential to make an impact when it comes to women’s team, Sjoerd Marjine deserve equal credit for bringing that fiery believe inside their team also you skipper Salima Tete and others brought their A game on the table and eventually they played draw game against China by 2-2 where they were not heavy favorites.
Indian Men’s team will be coming against England where they have slight advantage- by 10-9 so anything can happen when Men in Blue will be up against Three Lions and you can catch all the action live on Star Sports and the same can be streamed on jiohotstar app.
Let us check India’s most probable squad for Upcoming encounter against England is shared in the below format:
Harmanpreet Singh (C), Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach, Rajinder Singh, Aditya Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Prasad, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek Pal
More Details About FIH World Cup Story is shared in the below format:
India has made a strong statement at the FIH World Cup in the Netherlands, with both the men’s and women’s teams producing encouraging results in their opening matches.
Craig Fulton’s men secured a 3-1 victory over Wales, with captain Harmanpreet Singh once again leading from the front. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera and Sanjay also played crucial roles in India’s impressive performance.
However, one concern remains: India’s dependence on Harmanpreet Singh. The team will need stronger backup plans and greater contributions from across the squad as the tournament progresses. Mental strength will also be crucial, particularly in high-pressure knockout matches.
India are chasing their second men’s World Cup title after their historic triumph in 1975. The road ahead will be difficult, but this team certainly has the quality to make a deep run.
The women’s team also deserves plenty of credit. Coach Sjoerd Marijne has instilled a fighting belief within the squad, while captain Salima Tete and her teammates delivered a spirited performance to secure a 2-2 draw against China, despite not entering the contest as heavy favourites.
The next challenge for the men is England. India have a narrow historical edge, leading the head-to-head record 10-9, but with so little separating the sides, anything can happen when the Men in Blue take on the Three Lions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIH World Cup – Netherlands |
| Men’s Team Result | 🇮🇳 India defeated Wales 3-1 |
| Men’s Coach | Craig Fulton |
| Key Player | Harmanpreet Singh (Captain) |
| Other Standout Performers | Suraj Karkera, Sanjay |
| Main Concern | Over-dependence on Harmanpreet Singh |
| Key Requirement | Stronger backup plans and improved mental fortitude |
| Men’s World Cup Target | India are aiming for their 2nd World Cup title after winning in 1975 |
| Women’s Team Result | 🇮🇳 India drew 2-2 with China |
| Women’s Coach | Sjoerd Marijne |
| Women’s Captain | Salima Tete |
| Women’s Team Highlight | Showed fighting spirit against China despite not being heavy favourites |
| Next Men’s Opponent | England |
| Head-to-Head Advantage | India lead 10-9 |
| Key Battle | India’s attacking depth vs England’s challenge |
| Broadcast | Star Sports |
| Streaming | JioHotstar |
| No. | Player | Role/Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harmanpreet Singh (C) | Captain |
| 2 | Mohith HS | Player |
| 3 | Suraj Karkera | Goalkeeper |
| 4 | Jarmanpreet Singh | Player |
| 5 | Amit Rohidas | Player |
| 6 | Jugraj Singh | Player |
| 7 | Sanjay | Player |
| 8 | Sumit | Player |
| 9 | Yashdeep Siwach | Player |
| 10 | Rajinder Singh | Player |
| 11 | Aditya Lalage | Player |
| 12 | Hardik Singh | Player |
| 13 | Manpreet Singh | Player |
| 14 | Nilakanta Sharma | Player |
| 15 | Vivek Prasad | Player |
| 16 | Dilpreet Singh | Player |
| 17 | Shilanand Lakra | Player |
| 18 | Sukhjeet Singh | Player |
| 19 | Mandeep Singh | Player |
| 20 | Abhishek Pal | Player |
Frequently Ask Questions(FAQ):
Q-1: In Which Year Indian Men’s Team Won World Cup under whose leadership? Tell us more about India’s result in Opening Encounter against Wales?
Answer: India won the only world cup so far in 1975 under brilliant leadership of Ajit Pal Singh. When it comes to India’s Chances in this ongoing world cup looks great as they have won first match against Wales where Men in Blue defeated them by 3-1.
When it comes to women’s team, they have played tied game against China by 2-2.
Q-2: Where we can matches Live when it comes to World Cup?
Answer: We can watch matches live on Star Sports Channel and the same would be streamed live on Jio hotstar app.
When it comes to Hockey world cup, all we say broadcasting quality have been top notch.
Q-3: What is Honest Assessment chances for India in Ongoing World Cup?
Answer: India Men’s and Women’s team both have chances to finish at the podium however they need to be mentally more aware when it comes to executing their skills in penultimate hours of the game.
Overall, Indian team have remarkable done well in last few years except downfall which came during FIH Pro League recently concluded.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. When did the Indian Men’s Team win the Hockey World Cup, and who was the captain? What happened in the opening match against Wales? | India won their only Men’s Hockey World Cup title in 1975 under the leadership of Ajit Pal Singh. In the ongoing World Cup, India started strongly by defeating Wales 3-1. The Indian Women’s Team also began positively, playing out a 2-2 draw against China. |
| Q2. Where can fans watch the Hockey World Cup matches live? | The matches can be watched live on Star Sports, while fans can stream the action on the JioHotstar app. The tournament has also delivered strong broadcasting quality for hockey fans. |
| Q3. What are India’s chances in the ongoing World Cup? | Both the Indian Men’s and Women’s Teams have the potential to finish on the podium. However, they need to remain mentally strong and execute their skills effectively during crucial moments of matches. Overall, Indian hockey has made significant progress in recent years, although the recent FIH Pro League campaign remains a setback. |



