Hockey India Announces Women's World Cup 2026 Squad

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Friday, 17 July 2026

Hockey India has announced a 20-member squad for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, with midfielder Salima Tete set to captain the side. The tournament will take place from 15 to 30 August, with India aiming to build on its recent success after lifting the FIH Nations Cup title in New Zealand last month.

Key Highlights

• Salima Tete will captain India's 20-member World Cup squad
• India entered the tournament after winning the FIH Nations Cup unbeaten
• India will face China, South Africa, and England in Pool D

Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne described the squad as a balanced blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent. The team is currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru ahead of the prestigious global tournament.

India head into the World Cup with confidence after an unbeaten campaign at the FIH Nations Cup, where they secured the title and earned promotion to the 2026–27 FIH Pro League. The squad also includes several players who impressed during the recent international season, reflecting the team's consistent performances over the past year.

The goalkeeping lineup features experienced custodian Savita alongside Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defensive unit comprises Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas.

Captain Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng. The forward line includes Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung, providing India with a combination of pace, creativity, and attacking depth.

Speaking after announcing the squad, Marijne said the players had worked hard in preparation for the tournament and were ready to face the world's strongest teams. He expressed confidence in the group's ability to perform on the biggest stage and said the coaching staff looked forward to showcasing India's style of hockey at the World Cup.

India has been drawn in Pool D alongside China, England, and South Africa. The team will play all its group-stage matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. India will begin its campaign against China on 16 August before facing South Africa on 18 August and England on 20 August.

The 2026 edition marks the 16th FIH Hockey Women's World Cup and will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Sixteen teams will compete across four groups before progressing to the second stage, semi-finals, and medal matches.

India qualified for the World Cup after finishing runners-up at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad. The team has since continued its impressive form, following up that performance with a dominant Nations Cup campaign. Over the past 12 months, India has also secured a silver medal at the 2025 Asia Cup, highlighting their growing consistency on the international stage.