Hockey India has named a 20-member squad for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026. Harmanpreet Singh will captain India, with Manpreet Singh providing experience as the team prepares to face Wales, England, and Pakistan.
New Delhi: Hockey India has announced a 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. The team will be led by star defender and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh, with experienced midfielder Manpreet Singh adding strength and leadership to the squad.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the selected team, describing it as a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and talented youngsters who have earned their places through consistent performances.
The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while the defence features Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, and Yashdeep Siwach. The midfield includes Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh, and Aditya Arjun Lalage. The forward line comprises Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, and Shilanand Lakra.
India has been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales, with all group-stage matches set to be played in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
The Indian 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—one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters.
Reflecting on the team’s preparations, Fulton said the squad is focused on taking one match at a time and believes the players have an opportunity to create a new chapter in Indian hockey history, especially as the country marks 50 years since its historic 1975 Hockey World Cup triumph.
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