New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- With the FIH Hockey Men's and Women's World Cup 2026 set to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August, the removal of the quarter-final stage has given the tournament a new pathway to the title.

According to a press release, the 2026 edition introduces a new competition format, with both the Men's and Women's tournaments featuring 16 teams divided into four pools in the opening phase. Unlike previous editions, the tournament will not have a quarter-final stage, with the top two teams from the second phase progressing directly to the semi-finals.

The Indian Men's Team has been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, while the Indian Women's Team will compete alongside Chin...