Hockey World Cup 2026: India have form and talent, but set-piece overdependence may cost them in tough path to the final
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The Indian men's and women's hockey teams are preparing for their respective World Cups in Belgium and the Netherlands. The men's squad aims to break a 51-year podium drought by leveraging a new, disciplined tactical identity under coach Craig Fulton.
The Quest for Glory: India’s Hockey World Cup Campaign
The Indian men’s and women’s national hockey teams are entering a pivotal period as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup, which will be held simultaneously in Belgium and the Netherlands. Running from August 15 to August 30 for the men and August 29 for the women, these tournaments represent a significant opportunity for India to re-establish itself as a global powerhouse in the sport. The men’s team is drawn into a challenging Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales, with matches scheduled at the prestigious Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
A Tactical Evolution Under Craig Fulton
Under the guidance of coach Craig Fulton, the Indian men's team has undergone a profound tactical transformation. Moving away from the high-risk, wave-based attacking style that often left the defense vulnerable, the current squad has adopted a disciplined, compact defensive structure. This evolution has already yielded tangible results, including back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris. The team's resilience was best exemplified during the Paris Olympics, where they successfully navigated a high-stakes match with ten men for over an hour, ultimately clinching victory via a shootout.
Addressing the 51-Year Podium Drought
Despite their recent Olympic success, the men's team faces the challenge of a 51-year World Cup podium drought, having last claimed a medal in 1975. Since 2000, their best finish has been a sixth-place showing in 2018. Following a disappointing ninth-place finish at the last World Cup, expectations are high; anything less than a top-eight finish will be considered a regression. Analysts suggest that while the team possesses immense talent, their potential over-reliance on set-pieces could prove to be a critical vulnerability in the path to the final.
The Belgian Hockey Renaissance
This year’s tournament is also a testament to the rapid rise of Belgian hockey. As noted by star drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx, Belgium’s journey to hosting a World Cup is nothing short of remarkable. The nation, which lacked proper hockey infrastructure just a generation ago, has transformed its landscape to support the sport's growth. The inauguration of the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre—a brand-new national stadium—marks a significant milestone in the country's sporting history, reflecting a trajectory where the players' achievements paved the way for the development of world-class facilities.
Strategic Outlook and Future Trends
As the tournaments approach, the focus remains on whether India’s newfound defensive discipline can sustain them through the rigors of a World Cup schedule. The women’s team, also placed in a competitive Pool D with China, England, and South Africa, faces a similar mandate for excellence. The simultaneous nature of these tournaments in Europe underscores the global expansion and professionalization of the sport. Ultimately, this World Cup serves as a litmus test for both teams to prove that their recent international successes are a sign of long-term stability rather than isolated incidents.
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