Harmanpreet Singh will lead a 20-member Indian team for the upcoming 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup next month, Hockey India announced on Tuesday.
Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player in the sport, brings vast experience to a balanced squad comprising a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent.
“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 Craig 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 for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.
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.
Belgium and Netherlands will co-host the World Cup from 15 to 30 August 2026 next month.
India has not won a Hockey World Cup in over half-a-century. Their last triumph in the tournament was way back in 1975.
Indian squad for 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup
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
