The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed the official World Cup match schedule for the upcoming 16-team tournament, with Pakistan set to begin its campaign on the opening day.
Pakistan will face England on August 15 in Amstelveen. The team will then play Wales on August 17, before taking on arch-rivals India in what is expected to be the highlight of the group stage on August 19.
| Date | Opponent | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 15 | England | 10:00 PM | Amstelveen (Netherlands) |
| August 17 | Wales | 3:30 PM | Amstelveen (Netherlands) |
| August 19 | India | 6:00 PM | Amstelveen (Netherlands) |
The schedule follows the official pool draw conducted earlier this week at Wagener Stadium. The ceremony was attended by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice-President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, along with head coaches and captains from the Belgian and Dutch teams, among other dignitaries.
The tournament features 16 teams divided into four pools of four. Pool A includes co-hosts Netherlands, Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand. Pool B features co-hosts Belgium, defending champions Germany, France, and Malaysia.
Pool C consists of Australia, Spain, Ireland, and South Africa. Pool D places Pakistan alongside India, England, and Wales.
According to the FIH competition format, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the next stage, forming a group of eight teams.
These teams will then be split into two new pools. Pool E will include the top two teams from Pools A and D, while Pool F will consist of the top teams from Pools B and C.
The top two teams from each of these groups will progress to the semi-finals. The winners of those matches will then compete in the final, scheduled to be held at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, on August 30.