Hockey India Announces 20-Member Squad for FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026

New Delhi: Hockey India has unveiled the 20-member Indian men’s squad for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to August 30. Star defender and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh will captain the team, while experienced midfielder Manpreet Singh adds valuable leadership to the squad.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the selected team, describing it as a balanced combination of experienced players and emerging talent. He said the squad has been picked on the basis of current form and performance, giving India a strong chance to make history in the prestigious tournament.

The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera. The defensive lineup includes Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach.

India’s midfield will be led by Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad, with support from Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage. The forward line features Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.

Placed in Pool D, India will face Wales, England and Pakistan during the group stage. All of India’s league matches will be played in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

India will open its campaign against Wales on August 15, followed by matches against England on August 17 and traditional rivals Pakistan on August 19, a fixture expected to attract significant attention.

Coach Fulton said the team’s philosophy of “Press, Counter, Perform” reflects its preparation and mindset, adding that the players will focus on one match at a time. He also noted that, 50 years after India’s historic 1975 World Cup triumph, the current squad has an opportunity to create a memorable chapter in Indian hockey history.