A 20-member Indian squad, featuring two players from Odisha, was announced today by Hockey India for the upcoming FIH Hockey Mens World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Belgium and Netherlands from 15 to 30 August 2026. The two Odisha players are: defender Amit Rohidas and forward Shillanand Lakra.

Ace defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the side with Craig Fulton as the chief coach. India, drawn in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, will play all their pool-stage matches in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

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.

India has not been able to win a medal after bagging bronze in 1971, silver in 1973 and gold in 1975. A total of 16 teams, including defending champions Germany, will compete in the 2026 edition.

Teams will play league matches in four groups and the top two teams from each group will qualify for the second round. The second round competition will be conducted in two pools and the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals.

INDIAN MENS HOCKEY TEAM: Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera. Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), 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.