The Indian women's hockey team head into the FIH Women's World Cup in Netherlands and Belgium, as they look to make a splash amid higher-ranked opponents in the pool stage.
Here's everything you need to know about the tournament:
Who's in India's group?
It will be a tough first round for India, with them being drawn in Pool D, alongside China, England, and South Africa. China are ranked second in the world, and England seventh, compared to India's ninth.
When do India play?
Aug 16: India vs China, 4:30 p.m.
Aug 18: India vs South Africa, 6:30 p.m.
Aug 20: India vs England, 6:30 p.m.
Note: Times in IST
Where will the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 be telecast in India?
In India, the the World Cup will be telecast on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
What is the tournament format?
The top two teams from each pool qualify for a second pool stage, where they will play two games. The two qualified teams from Pool D will face the top two from Pool A, while the top two from Pool B will face the top two from Pool C.
The first round is extremely important, not just to finish in the top two, but also to ensure you're carrying forward maximum points into the second group stage. The result of the match between the two qualified teams from each pool will be carried forward into the second pool stage, and from there, the top two from each pool in the second round will qualify for the semifinals.
From an Indian perspective, the potential opponents in the second pool stage, if India get there, will be between the Netherlands, Australia, Chile, and Japan.
What happened at the last World Cup?
The Netherlands won the women's World Cup, but that was expected considering their standing as the best team in the world. India finished third in their group and then lost 1-0 to Spain in the crossovers. In fact, India didn't win a single game in the World Cup last time. They drew against England and China in their first two games, and then lost to New Zealand, before the loss to Spain.
Who's India's coach?
Sjoerd Marijne is back, having taken over from Harendra Singh earlier this year. The Dutchman is back for a second stint, with a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics the undisputed high of his first stint, and in Indian women's hockey history as a whole.
How has this team done under Marijne?
Marijne has already been responsible for much-improved showings from the team during his few months in charge so far. India first won the World Cup qualifier comfortably in Hyderabad in March, and then in June, won the FIH Nations Cup with a dominant showing in the tournament. In between, there have also been commendable performances in bilateral series against Argentina and Australia, so India do look in decent shape to mount a challenge at this World Cup.
Who are India's players, then?
Salima Tete leads India's squad, which has a nice mix of youth and experience. Forward Sangita Kumar and midfielder Vaishnavi Vittal Phalke are nursing long-term knee injuries that have put them out of contention for this World Cup.
India's full squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika Sehrawat, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
And which of those should we watch out for?
First, Deepika Sehrawat. She's India's main dragflicker, and perhaps, the best route to goal. She showed in the Nations Cup in June what an asset she can be for the team. She scored six goals in five games in that tournament, and finished as the joint top-scorer in the tournament. For a team that has too often had struggles in converting chances, both from open play and penalty corners, Deepika is a huge asset.
Navneet Kaur has been India's best player since Marijne took charge again in February. She was clearly the heartbeat of the Indian attack at the World Cup qualifiers, and carried the form into the Nations Cup, where she scored four goals of her own.
Young Sakshi Rana has made a name for herself in the last year or so. She's got all the attributes to make her a complete midfielder in the future, but in her debut World Cup, she will have to handle the pressure of the stage and the occasion.
How far can India go?
Getting out of the first pool will already be a success for India, considering they'd have to beat at least one higher-ranked team - China or England - to get there. The association of Marijne and India has giant-killing history in the past, so they cannot be taken lightly, but the signs are that it will be a tough tournament for India.