The FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 will be held from 15 August to 30 August 2026. India has been drawn in Pool D alongside China, England and South Africa. All of India’s group-stage matches will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The campaign will begin against China on 16 August, followed by South Africa on 18 August and England on 20 August.
India came agonisingly close to securing direct qualification during the Women’s Asia Cup 2025. After an impressive run to the final, the team fell short against hosts China, missing the automatic qualification spot for the World Cup. Although the defeat was a major setback, it proved to be a defining moment for the squad, which used the disappointment as motivation to strengthen its preparations and remain focused on earning qualification through the next available opportunity.
The turning point came at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held in Hyderabad in March 2026. Playing in front of home supporters under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne, India remained unbeaten throughout the competition on its way to the final. The team confirmed its place at the World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Italy in the semi-final. England later edged past India in the final, but the silver medal marked a successful campaign as India officially secured qualification for the prestigious global tournament.
Experienced forward Navneet Kaur emerged as one of India’s standout performers during the qualifiers. She finished the tournament with four goals, including a hat-trick against Wales, and was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performances.
India delivered its strongest statement of intent at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month, where the team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament to win the title and secure promotion back to the FIH Pro League. The campaign began with a spirited 3-2 comeback victory over the United States after India had trailed by two goals. The team then defeated Japan and Uruguay to finish at the top of its group.
Led by captain Salima Tete, India produced a commanding 6-0 victory over Chile in the semi-final before defeating New Zealand 2-0 in the championship match to lift the Nations Cup trophy. Drag-flick specialist Deepika finished with six goals during the tournament, ending as the joint highest scorer and highlighting the attacking strength India will carry into the World Cup.
The past year also witnessed several significant individual milestones within the Indian squad. Navneet Kaur completed 200 international appearances during the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 before adding the Player of the Tournament honour at the World Cup Qualifiers. Defender Nikki Pradhan reached the milestone of 200 international appearances during the qualifiers in Hyderabad, while captain Salima Tete celebrated her 150th international appearance in the tournament final against England.
With recent success, valuable international experience and a squad that combines seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, India will travel to Belgium and the Netherlands carrying confidence, momentum and belief. As the countdown to the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 enters its final phase, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will aim to convert its steady progress into a memorable campaign against the world’s leading teams and establish itself among the elite of international hockey.
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