Live Blog | India vs Wales | Hockey World Cup 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Singh is pleased to begin the World Cup with a win, while particularly happy to see young Sanjay open the scoring with a drag-flick. 

“We are happy with today’s game, but we need to connect more in the coming matches. The belief is there, and we know the value of the World Cup. Our aim will be to score more field goals from open play and improve our goal-scoring opportunities.”

A milestone moment for Jacob Draper, who earns his 100th international cap for Wales. 

Speaking after the match, Draper said: “It’s never an easy game to play against India, especially in the opening match of the World Cup. But we played well. I’m proud of the boys.”

Before we wrap up, a special mention for the Wales team and the fans who made this World Cup journey possible. 

The Welsh hockey community came together to raise £40,000 through crowdfunding to help the team make it to the World Cup.

India register their first victory of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, beating Wales 3-1. 

Tune in again tomorrow for LIVE updates as the Indian women take on China in their World Cup campaign. 

The Indian men will be back in action against England on August 17. 

28 years after his mother, Pritam Rani Siwach, represented India at the 1998 World Cup in the Netherlands, Yashdeep Siwach has now made his senior World Cup debut in the same country.

India secure a winning start to their World Cup campaign, but Wales finish strongly and pull one back in the final five minutes.

IND 3-1 WAL

Sam Welsh finds the net from open play to score Wales’ first goal of the World Cup and reduce the deficit.

IND 3-1 WAL

A brilliant save from Mohith H.S. denies Wales and keeps India’s three-goal advantage intact.

IND 3-0 WAL

Seven minutes remain, and India concede a penalty corner after Amit Rohidas is penalised for a backstick. Wales now have a chance to reduce the deficit.

IND 3-0 WAL

Harmanpreet’s brilliant drag-flick remains the highlight of the quarter. India continue to control the game, though Wales have shown more attacking intent.

After a long wait, India finally earn a penalty corner in Q3 as Wales’ Jacob breaches the 5-metre mark. 

Harmanpreet steps up and makes no mistake, firing a brilliant drag-flick into the net!

IND 3-0 WAL

India are back on the attack! Hardik Rai slows it down to find Harmanpreet, before the ball is worked into the striking circle. An attempt to win a foot, but play continues.

IND 2-0 WAL

"We got two goals and we deserved them. We still need to be better on the ball." 

Hardik Rai drives forward through midfield, linking up with Sukhjeet before finding Rajinder, but the final pass misses the target. 

And there goes the hooter! India head into the break with a 2-0 lead.

Love to see India get artistic in open play! Abhishek goes for a backhand slap, but the effort misses the target. The intent, though, a 10 on 10! 

IND 2-0 WAL

A brilliant pass from across the field finds Pritchard - Wales no.23, inside the D, but his shot goes wide. Mohith stays alert and applies the pressure to deny Wales a clear look at goal.

IND 2-0 WAL

Mohith H.S. takes the post for Q2, making his World Cup debut. The young goalkeeper has been a standout performer for India in the Pro League and is certainly one to watch.

IND 2-0 WAL

All smiles in the Indian camp as Harmanpreet Singh shares a high-five with Dilpreet Singh, a big smile on the skipper’s face. A strong opening quarter puts India firmly in control.

IND 2-0 WAL

Another penalty corner for India with less than two minutes left in Q1, but the strike goes wide of the left post.

IND 2-0 WAL

Another perfectly executed penalty corner, and Harmanpreet Singh finds the net! Two goals in under two minutes as India double their lead.

IND 2-0 WAL

India earn back-to-back penalty corners, and Sanjay delivers from the penalty corner! A fierce strike finds its way past the Welsh goalkeeper and into the back of the net as India take the lead.

IND 1-0 WAL

India are off to a bright start, pressing high and keeping the ball inside their striking circle. Craig Fulton’s press-and-counter mantra is already on show.

IND 0-0 WAL

The Indian national anthem rings out in Amstelveen as the Men in Blue get ready to begin their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign against Wales. 

On India’s 80th Independence Day, the timing could hardly be more fitting. A special day. A special stage. And a nation behind the team.

The World Cup journey begins now.

The teams are out - India and Wales walk onto the pitch at the Wagener Stadium. 

The wait is over. India’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign is moments away from getting underway.

A little stat to set the tone before pushback 

India, ranked No. 8 in the world, have faced No. 15 Wales six times and won all six encounters.

Head-to-head: India 6-0 Wales

Played: 6 | Wins: 6 | Draws: 0 | Losses: 0

Win rate: 100%

Chief Coach Craig Fulton will be aiming a dominating start from the get-go! 

The Men in Blue are ready for their opening assignment at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, with Wales standing between India and a winning start in Pool D. 

Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads the side out at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen as India begin their campaign on the biggest stage.

Starting XI: Suraj Karkera (GK), Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jarmanpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Sanjay, Hardik Rai, Manpreet Singh, Sumit, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek 

Subs: Mohith H.S. (GK), Nilakanta Sharma, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, Amit Rohidas

Stay with IndiaSportsHub for LIVE updates from India vs Wales.

India faces a 51-year wait for a Men’s Hockey World Cup title, having last won the trophy in 1975. With five of the last seven editions won by European teams, India faces a tough challenge at the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. 

Can India finally end the wait and bring the World Cup trophy back home?

It has been 51 years since India, 32 years since Pakistan, 28 years since the Netherlands, 12 years since Australia, 8 years since Belgium, and 3 years since Germany last won the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.