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Hockey World Cup 2026 New Format Explained: No Quarterfinals, New Second Round Pool Stage Introduced
24htopnews | August 14, 2026 10:09 PM CST

The men's and women's Hockey World Cups begin in Belgium and the Netherlands on August 15, with 16-team tournaments introducing a new format for both events. The traditional quarterfinal stage has been replaced by a second group phase, where top teams carry points forward before semifinals. India are placed in Pool D of the men's competition alongside England, Pakistan too.

New Delhi, Aug 14: The men's and women's hockey World Cups are right on the horizon as the top teams around the world gear up for the ultimate showpiece in Belgium and the Netherlands. 16 heavyweights each in the men's and women's circuits will step onto the field, giving it their all for the coveted trophies in the World Cups that run simultaneously from August 15 to 30.

While the guile and fight for the showpiece remain the same, teams will have to contend with a new format implemented in both the men's and women's World Cups this time around.

Unlike in the previous editions, the tournament won't be having the conventional route to the medal matches through quarterfinals; instead, a second group stage phase has been introduced to test the best of the sides.

What is the new Hockey World Cup format?


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