January 12, 2023
Sports Tak Staff
Since 1971, 605 matches have been played in 14 editions of the World Cups so far.
A total of 2433 goals have been scored in the World Cup matches so far.
So far, a total of 26 countries have participated in the Hockey World Cup. Chile and Wales are making their debut in the World Cup 2023 which has taken the total to 28.
India, Netherlands and Spain have featured in all the 14 World Cups played so far and are playing this time around too. Argentina, Australia, England and Pakistan have played 13 World Cups.
Argentina, Australia and England are also participating in Hockey WC 2023 while four-time champions Pakistan failed to qualify for the marquee event.
India became the first country to host the back-to-back Hockey World Cups. Just like previous edition, the current edition of the Hockey World Cup is being organised in Odisha, India.
According to Odisha government, Rourkela's Birsa Munda Stadium with a capacity of 21,000 is the largest hockey ground in the world.
In the Hockey World Cup 2023, 16 teams will play 44 matches. While 24 matches will be held in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela will host rest of the 20 matches.
Belgium are the defending champions as they defeated Netherlands in the final of the 2018 Hockey World Cup
Pakistan have won the World Cup four times which is the most by any team while Australia have clinched title thrice. India have tasted the glory just once in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur.
Australia have won 69 out of 92 matches in the World Cup history. Their winning percentage has been 75 as the Kookaburras have scored the maximum 305 goals in the World Cup so far.