Pakistan set for tough Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign, India clash headlines group stage

Pakistan’s campaign at the 2026 Hockey World Cup is set to begin on August 15, with the Green Shirts facing a challenging group featuring higher-ranked opponents, including England and India.

Pakistan will open their tournament against England on August 15 at 10:00 pm (PKT) before taking on Wales on August 17 at 3:30 pm (PKT). The most anticipated fixture of the group stage will see Pakistan lock horns with arch-rivals India on August 19 at 6:00 pm (PKT).

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) rankings highlight the difficulty of Pakistan’s path. England enter the tournament as the world’s third-ranked team, while India are placed eighth. Pakistan currently occupy 12th position in the world rankings, with Wales sitting 15th.

Despite entering the competition as the lower-ranked side against England and India, Pakistan will aim to produce strong performances and revive their reputation on the international stage. The clash against India is expected to be one of the marquee encounters of the group phase, drawing significant attention from hockey fans across the world.

With a demanding schedule and formidable opposition, Pakistan will be looking to make a positive start and keep their hopes of progressing deep into the tournament alive.