India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup 2026: India and Pakistan will once again face off on hockey's grandest stage, the FIH World Cup, on Wednesday (August 19). The Netherlands' historic Wagener Stadium is set to host this high-voltage clash after five decades.
It was on this very ground that India defeated Pakistan 1-0 in the World Cup semi-final on August 31, 1973, with B.P. Govinda scoring the goal in the 62nd minute. India will need to repeat a similar feat to advance to the next round.
A long 16-year wait comes to an end
The clash between India and Pakistan at the World Cup is taking place after a long wait of 16 years. The two teams last faced each other at the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi
where the Indian team, led by Rajpal Singh, defeated Pakistan 4-1. For the Indian team—which has remained unbeaten against Pakistan for the past decade—this match has become a do-or-die encounter
India defeated Wales 3-1 in their opening match of the tournament. However, in their second match against England, despite taking a 2-1 lead in the first half, Team India suffered a 2-4 defeat due to defensive errors.
Now, to secure a spot in the next round, the Indian team must tighten its defense and either win or at least secure a draw against Pakistan.
India vs. Pakistan in the World Cup
A total of five matches have been played between the two teams in the history of the Hockey World Cup. These matches took place in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1986, and 2010. India won three of these encounters, while Pakistan emerged victorious in two.
In these five matches, India has scored a total of 10 goals against Pakistan. Sandeep Singh is India's top scorer against Pakistan in the World Cup; he scored two goals via penalty corners during the 2010 match.
Also Read: Major setback for India; England wins 4-2; a victory against Pakistan is now essential
