The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 is set to begin on August 15, with India preparing for another major international challenge in Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament will run until August 29 for the women’s competition, with matches being played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.
India have been placed in Pool D alongside China, South Africa and England. All three of India’s pool matches will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
India will open its campaign against China on August 16 at 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time. The team will then meet South Africa on August 18 at 6:30 PM before taking on England on August 20 at 6:30 PM.
The tournament represents an important opportunity for the Indian women’s team. India have previously competed at the Women’s Hockey World Cup, with their best result being fourth place at the inaugural edition in 1974. The team finished eighth in 2018 and ninth in 2022.
India enter the 2026 tournament with renewed confidence following their success at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand in June. The victory provided the team with valuable momentum ahead of the World Cup and strengthened belief within the squad.
Captain Salima Tete will lead the Indian side. The team also has considerable experience through players such as goalkeeper Savita Punia, who is appearing at her third World Cup. Savita has expressed confidence that India have a genuine opportunity to challenge for a podium finish.
The squad combines experienced international players with several younger athletes who are making their World Cup debut. Eleven members of the Indian team are set to make their first appearance at the tournament, highlighting the changing nature of the squad and the emergence of a new generation of Indian hockey players.
The Indian team has been preparing for the tournament for several months. Before reaching the Netherlands, the squad travelled to Germany for two practice matches against the hosts. These matches were intended to help the players adjust to European conditions and finalise their combinations before the World Cup.
Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has set a target of finishing among the world's top eight teams. He has emphasised the importance of consistency and teamwork, particularly because India will face three different styles of opposition in the pool stage.
The World Cup features 16 teams divided into four pools of four teams each. The tournament format has also undergone changes. After the initial pool stage, the top two teams from each pool progress to the next phase. The eight advancing teams are then divided into two groups, with the leading teams moving on to the semifinal stage.
For India, the opening match against China will be particularly important. A positive start could provide confidence before the team faces South Africa and England. The pool contains strong opposition, meaning every result could have a major impact on India's chances of progressing to the next phase.
China will provide India's first test, while South Africa will be the second opponent. England will then complete India's pool-stage schedule. The Indian players will need to maintain concentration and consistency throughout all three matches if they are to advance.
India's recent Nations Cup triumph is another reason for optimism. The team's performances in that competition demonstrated the ability to compete successfully against international opponents and recover from difficult situations.
The experienced members of the squad are expected to play an important role in guiding the younger players through the pressure of a World Cup. Savita Punia, Salima Tete and other senior players bring valuable international experience, while emerging players provide additional energy and attacking options.
The tournament also represents an important stage in the development of Indian women's hockey. A strong World Cup campaign could help the team improve its international ranking and strengthen confidence ahead of future major competitions.
For Indian hockey supporters, the 2026 Women's World Cup offers another opportunity to watch the national team compete on the biggest international stage. With a combination of experience, youth, recent tournament success and strong preparation, India will be aiming to make a significant impact.
The campaign begins against China on August 16. India will then face South Africa and England before the tournament moves into its next phase. The team's progress will depend on its ability to convert preparation and confidence into consistent performances on the field.