Hockey India Announces 20-Man Squad for FIH Men's World Cup 2026, Harmanpreet Singh Named Captain
Hockey India has officially announced its 20-member squad for the FIH Men's World Cup 2026, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the charge. The tournament, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, kicks off on August 14. India is in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales, with all group matches at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen.
The countdown to the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 has officially intensified for India, with Hockey India today announcing a powerful 20-member squad ready to vie for global supremacy. Veteran defender and prolific drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh has been entrusted with the captaincy, aiming to guide the Indian contingent to glory in Belgium and the Netherlands. FIH Women’s World Cup 2026: Salima Tete Named Captain as India Announces 20-Member Squad.
The quadrennial showpiece, co-hosted by Wavre, Belgium, and Amstelveen, Netherlands, will run from August 14 to 30, 2026. India finds itself placed in a challenging Pool D, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, England, and Wales, promising thrilling encounters right from the group stages. All of India's pool stage matches will be played at the iconic Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
The Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
Chief Coach Craig Fulton, expressing confidence in his selections, stated, "We have selected a well-balanced squad – the right mix of tournament experience and in-form youth who've earned their spot through performance, not reputation." Fulton further added, "Press, counter, perform isn't just our tactical identity – it's how this group trains and thinks together every single day. We are not getting ahead of ourselves – one game at a time, all in, is the mentality we're taking into every match."
The squad features a robust defence, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attacking line-up:
- Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
- Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach
- Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad
- Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek
Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India's most-capped player, will bring invaluable experience to the youthful exuberance of the squad.
India's World Cup Journey Begins
India will kick off its World Cup campaign against Wales on August 15 at 4:30 PM IST. The highly anticipated clash against England is scheduled for August 17 at 6:30 PM IST, followed by the electrifying encounter with Pakistan on August 19 at 6:30 PM IST, a match that always captures significant attention.
India will be looking to improve upon their ninth-place finish in the previous edition in 2023. The team's recent form saw them finish seventh among nine teams in the FIH Pro League 2023-24 campaign, securing five wins, six draws, and five losses.
With just weeks to go until the tournament begins, the selected Indian squad will now fine-tune their strategies and preparations, aiming to make a deep run and challenge for the coveted World Cup trophy on Belgian and Dutch soil.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 01:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
