India have named a 20-member squad for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with Salima Tete continuing as captain for the tournament to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30. The squad, announced by Hockey India on Friday, has been described by chief coach Sjoerd Marijne as a balanced combination of experienced players and emerging talent. The selected group is currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru as preparations intensify for the marquee event.
The selectors have largely stayed with the core group that has delivered consistent performances in recent months, with the same 20 players also set to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games. Confidence within the camp is high after India’s impressive title-winning run at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, where the team went unbeaten throughout the tournament and earned promotion back to the FIH Pro League, providing valuable momentum ahead of the World Cup.
India Women’s Hockey Team Squad for FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Announced
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam |
| Defenders | Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas |
| Midfielders | Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (Captain), Neha, Deepika Soreng |
| Forwards | Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Rutuja Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung |
FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026: Complete Match Schedule and Key Dates
| Stage | Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage (Pool D) | August 16, 2026 | China vs India | Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands |
| August 18, 2026 | India vs South Africa | Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands | |
| August 20, 2026 | India vs England | Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands | |
| Other Key Group Matches | August 15, 2026 | Germany vs Scotland | Belfius Hockey Arena, Belgium |
| August 15, 2026 | Argentina vs USA | Belfius Hockey Arena, Belgium | |
| August 17, 2026 | USA vs Scotland | Belfius Hockey Arena, Belgium | |
| August 17, 2026 | Germany vs Argentina | Belfius Hockey Arena, Belgium | |
| August 19, 2026 | Argentina vs Scotland | Belfius Hockey Arena, Belgium | |
| August 19, 2026 | USA vs Germany | Belfius Hockey Arena, Belgium | |
| Knockout Stage | August 24, 2026 | Placement Matches Begin | Belgium & Netherlands |
| August 27–28, 2026 | Semi-finals | Belgium & Netherlands | |
| August 29, 2026 | Women’s Final | Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands |
With a settled squad, growing confidence and strong recent form, India will aim to carry their momentum into the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 as they chase a memorable campaign in Belgium and the Netherlands.
