India, Aug. 14 -- The hockey extravaganza is all set to begin on India's Independence Day, August 15, with the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 bringing the world's best teams together for two weeks of action. Four years after Germany and the Netherlands lifted the men's and women's titles respectively, the caravan now moves to Belgium and the Netherlands, where the women's teams will battle for the ultimate glory. India's women's team will begin their campaign on August 16 against China, while Australia and Japan will get the tournament underway in the opening fixture.

Sixteen teams are participating in the women's division, divided into four pools, each consisting of four teams. India are placed in Pool D with China, England and South Africa....