Hockey India on Monday announced the 20-member Indian men’s hockey squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, scheduled to be held from August 15 to 30. Defender and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh has been named captain of the team, with the squad featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging players aiming to deliver a strong performance on the global stage.
The team includes veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped men’s international player, whose experience is expected to provide stability and leadership in the midfield. The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while the defensive unit will be led by Harmanpreet Singh along with Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach.
India’s midfield will feature a strong combination of experience and youth, with Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad expected to play key roles. Nilakanta Sharma will add further depth to the middle of the field, while young talents Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage have been included as part of India’s next generation of players.
Also Read: Sanju Samson Reveals Experience Of Watching From Sidelines During T20 World Cup
The forward line will carry the responsibility of strengthening India’s attacking efforts during the tournament. Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra have been selected to lead the team’s offensive charge against some of the world’s top hockey nations.
India have been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, with all their group-stage matches scheduled to take place in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The team will begin its World Cup campaign against Wales on August 15, followed by matches against England on August 17 and arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19.
India have won the men’s Hockey World Cup once, securing the title in the 1975 edition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 2026 tournament will provide the Indian team with another opportunity to challenge for hockey’s biggest prize and build on its recent international performances. The announced squad will now prepare for the prestigious competition with hopes of bringing further success to Indian hockey.
Also Read: Messi's Argentina Set Unwanted World Cup Final Record In 1-0 Loss To Spain