Hockey India on Monday announced a 20-member Indian men’s hockey squad for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30. Led by ace drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh, the team combines experienced campaigners with emerging young talent as India aims to end a 51-year wait for a second World Cup title.

Chief coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the selected squad, saying the players have the ability to create history and add a new chapter to India’s rich hockey legacy. India last won the Hockey World Cup in 1975, and the upcoming edition presents another opportunity for the team to challenge for the prestigious title.

“This is a well-balanced squad — the right mix of tournament experience and in-form youth who’ve earned their spot through performance, not reputation,” Fulton said after the squad announcement.

Harmanpreet Singh will continue to captain the side, while veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player, brings invaluable leadership and experience to the squad. The team also features several players who have consistently performed in recent international competitions, giving the coaching staff confidence ahead of the global tournament.

The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, both of whom have impressed with their reflexes and composure under pressure. The defensive unit appears strong and experienced, comprising Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach. The presence of multiple drag-flicking options and experienced defenders is expected to strengthen India’s backline.

India’s midfield will revolve around the experienced trio of Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad. They will be supported by Nilakanta Sharma and promising youngsters Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage, who have earned their places through consistent performances in domestic and international competitions.

The attacking line-up includes seasoned forwards Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh alongside Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra. The forwards will be expected to provide pace, creativity and finishing ability as India looks to convert scoring opportunities against the world’s best teams.

India have been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, making it one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. All of India’s pool-stage matches will be played in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

The campaign begins against Wales on August 15 before India face England on August 17. The much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19 is expected to be one of the marquee contests of the group stage, attracting significant attention from hockey fans across the world. Fulton said the team would remain focused on its process rather than looking too far ahead in the tournament.

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“‘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,” he said.

The coach also highlighted the historical significance of the tournament, noting that the 2026 World Cup comes more than five decades after India’s only World Cup triumph. “Fifty years since 1975, this group has a chance to write its own chapter in Indian hockey history, and we are really excited about it,” Fulton added.

With a balanced squad featuring proven internationals and promising youngsters, India will be aiming to produce a strong campaign and challenge for the World Cup title in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Indian squad 

Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera.
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach.
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage.
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.