India, March 8 -- Under a new but familiar coach in Sjoerd Marijne, India will aim to secure a coveted berth at the upcoming FIH Women's Hockey World Cup when they open their campaign against Uruguay in the Qualifiers on Sunday.

The tournament will feature eight teams - hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria - competing for three coveted qualification spots for the global showpiece.

At stake will be three direct World Cup berths, with the teams finishing first, second and third in the tournament earning direct qualification for the 2026 edition to be hosted jointly by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30 alongside the men's event. It will be Marijne's first assignment back as head coach, as ...