India, Aug. 14 -- The 1986 runners-up England will kick off their quest for a maiden title at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 against Pakistan on August 15, Saturday at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

England finished fifth in the last FIH Hockey World Cup in 2023 in Bhubaneswar, India, after reaching the semi-finals in the three prior editions. This time, determined to finally clear the final hurdle, national coach Zak Jones has picked a competitive group featuring seasoned veterans like Sam Ward and Phil Roper alongside a hungry new generation of stars.

England stormed into the World Cup 2026 with an undefeated run at the qualifiers in Egypt, winning every match by at least three goals and dispatching Pakistan 4-1 ...