India clinches Asian Hockey Cup victory against Korea, securing 2026 FIH World Cup qualification for Harmanpreet Singh's men after an eight-year drought
India has secured a spot in the upcoming 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The South Asian nation's qualification was confirmed following their triumph in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025.
In the thrilling final against South Korea, India clinched a 4-1 victory. The match began on a high note for India, with Sukhjeet Singh scoring the first goal just three minutes into the game. Dilpreet Singh added two more goals, one in the second quarter and another at the hooter of the third, before Amit Rohidas scored one goal five minutes into the fourth quarter. South Korea managed to score one goal in the 51st minute, but it was too late to impact the outcome of the match.
This victory marks India's first title since 2017 and their fourth overall in the Hockey Asia Cup. It also marks their 16th appearance in a hockey World Cup. India's only World Cup triumph was in 1975, when they defeated Pakistan.
A total of 16 teams will qualify for the 2026 FIH World Cup. Along with India, the tournament will feature hosts Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as Australia (FIH Pro League 2023-24 winners), Spain (by finishing third in FIH Pro League 2024-25), Argentina (Pan American Cup 2025 winners), Germany (EuroHockey Championships 2025 finalists), and New Zealand (Oceania Cup 2025 winners).
Eight women's teams have already qualified directly for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026: China (via Asia Cup), Belgium and Netherlands (as hosts), Germany and Argentina (via FIH Pro League), USA (via Pan American Cup), Spain (via EuroHockey Championship), and New Zealand (via Oceania Cup). One more African team will qualify through the continental championship, and the remaining slots will be filled via the FIH World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.
In the last edition of the World Cup in 2023, India had finished ninth. This time around, they will be aiming for a higher position and potentially reclaiming the World Cup title they last won in 1975.
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