Harmanpreet Singh to lead 20-member India squad for FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2026
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
India are eyeing its second title in the tournament history
Hockey India on Monday announced the 20-member Indian men’s hockey team for the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 to be held from 15 to 30 August in Belgium & Netherlands.
Chief coach Craig Fulton confident that the selected squad has a bright chance to “write its own chapter in Indian hockey history”.
Ace defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the side, while veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player, brings vast experience to a balanced squad comprising a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent.
Related: Five Indian men’s hockey players with most International caps
“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,” chief coach Fulton said, while sharing his thoughts on the shape of the squad.
The goalkeeping department includes Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while the defensive unit comprises Jarmanpreet Singh, captain Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach.
The midfield will be led by the trio of Manpreet, Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad besides Nilakanta Sharma and promising youngsters Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage. The attacking responsibilities will be on the shoulders of Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.
India, drawn in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, will play all their pool-stage matches in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
“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,” added chief coach Fulton.
India will begin their campaign against Wales on 15 August, before taking on England on 17 August and arch-rivals Pakistan on 19 August, which remains the most sought-after fixture of the pool stage.
“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’s full squad for FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), 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.
How many times has the Indian men’s hockey team played the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup?
Since 1971, Indian men have played the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 15 times. This year marks their 16th appearance.
Has the Indian team ever won the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup?
India has won the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup once. It was back in 1975, and the Indian team had defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the final held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
What is India’s full squad for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026?
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), 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.
Where and when will FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 take place?
The tournament will be held in Belgium & Netherlands from August 15 to 30.
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Alex graduated in mass communication in 2016 and has been covering global sports for Khel Now since then. He is covering sports tech, igaming, sports betting and casino domain from 2017.