Hockey India Announces 20-Member Squad for FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026

Hockey India has announced the 20-member Indian Men's Squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey Men's World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, scheduled to be held from 15 to 30 August. Led by ace defender and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh, India will begin its campaign against Wales on 15 August before taking on England and arch-rivals Pakistan in Pool D.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the selected squad, stating that the team possesses the right blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent capable of making history.

"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.

Balanced Squad Blends Experience with Emerging Talent

The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while India's defensive line features Jarmanpreet Singh, captain Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach.

The midfield will be anchored by veteran Manpreet Singh, India's most-capped player, alongside Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad. Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage complete the midfield unit.

India's forward line includes experienced attackers Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.

India's Pool D Fixtures

India has been drawn alongside England, Pakistan and Wales in Pool D. All of India's pool-stage matches will be played in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

• 15 August: India vs Wales
• 17 August: India vs England
• 19 August: India vs Pakistan

The India-Pakistan clash is expected to be one of the marquee fixtures of the group stage.

"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," Fulton said.

The coach also highlighted the historical significance of the tournament for Indian hockey.

"Fifty years since 1975 (World Cup win), this group has a chance to write its own chapter in Indian hockey history, and we are really excited about it," Fulton concluded.

India Squad for FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers

• Mohith HS
• Suraj Karkera

Defenders

• Jarmanpreet Singh
• Harmanpreet Singh (Captain)
• 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

With a strong combination of experienced internationals and promising young players, India will look to mount a serious challenge for the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup title as the tournament gets underway in Belgium and the Netherlands next month.

About Hockey India

Hockey India is the governing body responsible for the administration, promotion and development of field hockey in India, overseeing the country's national teams and domestic competitions.

 

(Inputs from Press Release)