NEW DELHI : 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.
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.
