Who will India face next in Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026?

As per the new format of the World Cup, the eight teams which progress into the second stage will be split into two groups of four. The top two teams from those will then progress into the semifinals.

Updated : Aug 19, 2026 20:19 IST , Chennai - 2 MINS READ

Hardik Singh found the back of the goal through a Penalty Stroke against Pakistan. | Photo Credit: Hockey India

India advanced to the second round of the ongoing FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 after beating arch-rival Pakista 5-3 in their final Pool-D fixture on Wednesday. The Harmanpreet Sing-led team finished second in the pool and booked its spot in the next stage of the tournament.

Who will India play in the second round of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026?

As per the new format of the World Cup, the eight teams which progress into the second stage will be split into two groups of four. The top two teams from those will then progress into the semifinals.

The top two teams of Pool D — India’s pool — will be grouped in Pool E with the top two teams from Pool A.

Pool A consists of the Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, and Japan. The Dutch have confirmed its berth in the second round, so India is certainly meeting the three-time champion.

What remains to be seen is whether Argentina or New Zealand complete Pool E. Both sides are on three points and face each other later in the day.

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Published on Aug 19, 2026

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