Can India still earn direct qualification for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026?

Farzan has been a sports journalist since 2020, closely following Olympic sports and kabaddi.

Published at :June 21, 2025 at 8:29 AM

Modified at :June 21, 2025 at 8:29 AM

(Courtesy : Hockey India)

The winners of FIH Pro League 2024-25 will earn direct berth at FIH Hockey World Cup.

The Indian men’s hockey team have had a bittersweet campaign so far in the ongoing edition of the Men’s FIH Pro League 2024-25. They are currently placed eighth in the standings with 15 points from 14 matches, including five wins and nine losses. The Men in Blue have a goal difference of -2, having scored 27 goals and conceded 29.

Currently in Belgium for the European leg of Men’s FIH Pro League 2024-25, the Indian team are going through a horrific run and are winless in their last six matches, all of which have resulted in defeats. Craig Fulton’s side began the European leg with a 1-2 loss against the Netherlands, and succumbed to a 2-3 defeat against the Dutch in their second outing in Europe.

Also Read: Men’s FIH Pro League 2024-25: Updated points table and top 10 goalscorers

The Harmanpreet Singh-led side then suffered two consecutive defeats against Argentina (3-4 & 1-2) before also losing to Australia twice with twin scores of 2-3. They have lost all six matches in the European leg thus far and are on a six-match losing streak in the Men’s FIH Pro League 2024-25.

India’s last victory in the ongoing season of the Men’s FIH Pro League came against England on February 25. They defeated the European nation 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.

Can India still earn direct qualification to FIH Hockey World Cup 2026?

No, the Indian men’s hockey team cannot earn a direct qualification for the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30 next year. Argentina, Spain, Germany, and England are the four teams in contention to earn the direct qualification spot for the mega event.

India have two more matches to play in the Men’s FIH Pro League against hosts Belgium. However, wins in both encounters will not be enough for India to secure a direct qualification for the World Cup.

However, the Asian nation will look to qualify for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup by winning the upcoming Hockey Asia Cup, slated to take place from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar. The other teams competing in the tournament are China, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Oman, and Chinese Taipei.

Belgium and the Netherlands have qualified for the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 as hosts, while Australia have secured a direct qualification, having won the previous edition of the Men’s FIH Pro League in 2023-24.

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Mohamed Farzan

Farzan is a journalist at Khel Now covering Indian Olympic sports and kabaddi. With five years of experience working with major sports organizations like Chennaiyin FC, Dabang Delhi K.C., Rajasthan Royals, and Yuva Kabaddi Series, he brings diverse expertise. Farzan has covered two Olympics, one Commonwealth Games, and one Asian Games, making his knowledge of Indian sports broad and versatile.