Hockey World Cup 2026: India face Pakistan in must-win clash, what happens in case of loss or draw?

The Harmanpreet Singh-led side will go up against arch-rivals Pakistan in Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool D match at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands, on August 19. The 4-2 loss to England as led to the Pakistan fixture becoming a must-win for India. They are currently placed second in Pool D standings. 

If India beat Pakistan, they will advance to the next round. However, a loss will lead to their departure from the tournament. If the match ends in a draw, Pakistan will be knocked out. Indian team will have their eyes on Wales' match against England later in the evening. If England beat Wales, India will advance. Otherwise, they will be knocked out.

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However, India will head into the clash with a remarkable record against Pakistan. India have not lost a match against Pakistan since February 2016. Most recently, India had beaten Pakistan 7-1 and 4-3 in Hockey Pro League fixtures. The two teams have not taken on each other in World Cup since 2010. In 2010, hosts India beat Pakistan 4-1 in Delhi under Rajpal Singh's leadership.

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Meanwhile, Manpreet Singh is not looking to underestimate Pakistan. He does not want India to concede penalty corners.

“The match against Pakistan will be good, but we aren’t underestimating them. They also have good drag-flickers, so we will have to avoid giving them penalty corners," Manpreet said.

“We must also create opportunities and capitalise on them. We must focus on our natural game.”

India vs Pakistan head-to-head

Historically, Pakistan have the edge over India with 82 wins from 183 games, 32 draws and 69 losses. But, Pakistan look like a pale shadow of themselves in the past decade. In the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, India had defeat Pakistan 10-2, their biggest win against neighbours. In the Hockey World Cup history, India have beaten Pakistan three out of five encounters.

How India, Pakistan have fared in Hockey World Cup 2026 so far

India opened their campaign against Wales with a 3-1 win. Then, England beat them 4-2. 
On the other hand, Pakistan faced a 4-1 defeat against England in their opening match of the tournament. They played a 3-3 draw against Wales on August 17.