Hockey World Cup: India to open campaign against Spain

Bhubaneswar: India will begin its campaign at next year’s FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Odisha with a match against Spain. India have been placed in Pool D along with Europe’s strongest teams England, Spain and Wales.

The hosts will play their first match against Spain on January 13 at 7 pm on the opening day of the tournament.

The World Cup will begin with a match between Argentina and South Africa teams to be played at 1 pm. There are 16 teams participating in the World Cup.

According to the draw held on September 8, these teams have been divided into four groups. Australia, Argentina, France and South Africa in Pool ‘A’; Pool B features Belgium, Germany, South Korea and Japan, while Pool C features the Netherlands, New Zealand, Malaysia and Chile.

A total of 44 matches will be played during this period and the final will be played on 29 January 2023 at 7 pm. Defending champions Belgium will open their campaign against South Korea on January 14.