With eight losses in eight matches on the European leg of the ongoing FIH Pro League, India’s hopes of qualifying directly for the World Cup 2026 through the league have collapsed. Before the tour began, vice-captain Hardik Singh had said, “We have spoken about this within the squad and believe that if we stick to the plan, accumulate enough points, and push for wins—even securing points from draws and subsequent shootouts—we stand a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup through the Pro League.”
Though the FIH Pro League route is shut, India’s hopes of making the 2026 World Cup are far from over. Their next and most direct opportunity comes at the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar. But before we get to that, let’s break down how World Cup qualification works and where India still has a shot.
How World Cup 2026 Qualification Works?
Like the 2018 and 2023 editions, the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup will feature 16 teams. As per FIH’s qualification system, two spots are reserved for the hosts, Netherlands and Belgium. A third has already gone to Australia, who secured their place by winning the 2023–24 edition of the FIH Pro League. The winner of the 2024–25 Pro League will also qualify directly.
The remaining slots will come from:
- Continental championships: One spot each for winners of the five continental tournaments (Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, Pan-America)
- World Cup qualification tournaments: These will decide the final seven spots
So far, three teams have qualified: Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia. Thirteen places remain.
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Interestingly, Australia’s qualification also clears the path for New Zealand. The Oceania Cup only has two participants. Since Australia has already qualified, New Zealand earns the region’s World Cup spot by default, even before the tournament begins.
Here’s the qualification events for World Cup 2026 and teams that have qualified.
| Date | Event | Quotas | Qualifiers |
|---|---|---|---|
| NA | Hosts | 2 | Netherlands and Belgium |
| 23-24 | FIH Pro League 23-24 | 1 | Australia |
| 30 November 2024 – 29 June 2025 | FIH Pro League 24-25 | 1 | TBD |
| 24 July – 3 August 2025 | Pan America Cup 2025 | 1 | TBD |
| 8–17 August 2025 | EuroHockey Championship 2025 | 1 | TBD |
| 29 August – 7 September 2025 | Asia Cup 2025 | 1 | TBD |
| 4–7 September 2025 | Oceana Cup 2025 | 1 | New Zealand |
| 11–18 October 2025 | Africa Cup of Nations 2025 | 1 | TBD |
| 28 February–8 March 2026 | World Cup Qualifying Tournaments | 7 | TBD |
What Went Wrong for India in the Pro League?
India’s Pro League campaign began on a solid note in Bhubaneswar. But once they moved to Europe, the wheels came off. The team lost six consecutive matches, against the Netherlands, Argentina, and Australia. While the margins were narrow, the defeats exposed recurring flaws that need attention.
Apart from Abhishek, who scored four goals, no other player stood out. India struggled to control the tempo, looked unsure in the attacking circle, and often appeared tactically disconnected. Their structure broke down under sustained pressure, and transitions lacked resolve.
That losing streak effectively ended any hope of direct qualification for the World Cup through the league.
India’s Best Route: Win the Asia Cup
India’s most straightforward path to qualification now runs through the 2025 Asia Cup. The tournament will take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, 2025.
The competition will feature:
- Six top-ranked Asian teams: India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Pakistan
- Two qualifiers from the 2025 AHF Cup: Oman and Chinese Taipei
India enters the Asia Cup as the highest-ranked team in the region. Their exposure to top teams in the Pro League gives them a major advantage. Japan and Malaysia can be dangerous, and Pakistan is always unpredictable. But no other team in Asia has India’s depth or experience.
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Still, tournament hockey leaves little room for error. One bad match or a nervy shootout could undo everything. India must approach the Asia Cup with full intent.
Backup Plan: World Cup 2026 Qualification Tournament
If India fails to win the Asia Cup, they still have another shot. The World Cup Qualification Tournament will include two separate events, each featuring eight teams. The top three from each event will earn a spot in the World Cup. A seventh slot will go to one of the fourth-place finishers, whichever holds the highest FIH ranking on the final day.
These qualification events will include teams based on both continental allocation and global rankings. Given India’s current ranking, they are almost certain to receive an invitation if needed.
What India Must Focus on Now
The Pro League is behind them, even with two games left. India’s focus must shift entirely to the Asia Cup. Winning that tournament would secure World Cup qualification and remove any uncertainty.
The path to the World Cup 2026 is still open, but it now requires clarity, consistency, and urgency.
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