IND vs WAL LIVE Score, Hockey World Cup 2026: India begin their FIH Men's Hockey World Cup against Wales with a 51-year wait hanging over another attempt to reclaim the game's biggest prize. Harmanpreet Singh's side, bronze medallists at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, are chasing India's first World Cup medal since their lone title triumph in 1975. They have been drawn in Pool D alongside Wales, England and Pakistan, with the tournament's new format making every point particularly valuable as results against the fellow qualifier from the opening pool are carried into the second phase. Wales, meanwhile, are appearing at the men's World Cup for only the second time after making their debut in 2023. The teams also met at that edition, when India overcame a spirited Welsh challenge to win 4-2 in their pool stage encounter.
IND vs WAL LIVE Score, Hockey World Cup 2026: India's Hockey World Cup history is defined by a brilliant early run and a long wiat since. They won bronze in the inaugural edition 1971 edition, finished runners-up in 1973 and then lifted their only title in 1975. That triumph in Kuala Lumpur remains India's last World Cup medal, leaving successive generations trying to restore the country to the podium after more than five decades.
IND vs WAL LIVE Score, Hockey World Cup 2026: India step into the World Cup stage carrying expectations shaped by recent Olympic success but also by a long wait for global glory. Wales offer the first examination of how quickly Harmanpreet Singh and his men can settle into the tournament, impose their attacking game and avoid an early stumble in a demanding group.
