The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the groups for the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup on Tuesday, ahead of the tournament to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30.
According to the FIH, the groups for the upcoming show were announced at the official draw ceremony, held here at Wagener Stadium, which was attended by IH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, the head coaches and captains of the Netherlands and Belgium teams and several other key figures.
This year’s mega event will feature 16 teams, including four-time champions Pakistan, divided into four groups of four.
Group A features co-hosts the Netherlands, Japan, Argentina and New Zealand, while another co-host Belgium and defending champions Germany, along with France and Malaysia form Group B.
Australia, Spain, Ireland and South Africa are placed in Group C, while Group D comprises Pakistan, arch-rivals India, as well as England and Wales.
According to the tournament’s competition formula, the two best teams from each of the four groups will advance to the next stage, where the eight qualified teams will be divided into two groups of four.
The top two sides from Group A and D will form Group E, while Group F will feature the top two sides from Group B and C.
Following the conclusion of the second stage, the top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals, the winners of which will meet in the final, scheduled to be played at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, on August 30.
It is pertinent to mention that the complete match schedule of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 will be announced in due course.
Groups for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026
- Group A: Netherlands, Argentina, Japan and New Zealand.
- Group B: Belgium, Germany, France and Malaysia.
- Group C: Australia, Spain, Ireland and South Africa.
- Group D: Pakistan, India, England and Wales.
