Goa, Aug. 16 -- The FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 got underway in Belgium and the Netherlands on August 15, with 16 teams divided into four pools competing for a place in the knockout stages. The opening round has already produced an important result for India, who began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales in Pool D.

India's win puts them second in the Pool D standings, behind England on goal difference. England made an impressive start by defeating Pakistan 4-1. Both England and India have three points after one match, while Wales and Pakistan are yet to open their accounts.

The Pool D standings will be particularly important ahead of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash on August 19. India currently have a goal diffe...