World’s best teams to clash at 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup

Belgium’s star drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx has described India as a “big threat” and a serious contender for a podium finish at the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, underlining the Indian team’s growing consistency and strength on the global stage.

The World Cup will be held from August 14 to 30 next year and jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium. India, the reigning Olympic bronze medallists and eight-time Olympic champions, have built strong momentum in recent years with consecutive bronze medals at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Games.

“India always has a very good side. The results from the last tournaments show that clearly. They are always a threat,” Hendrickx said in a virtual interaction. “I think there are five top nations who are always fighting for World Cup medals, and India is definitely one of those five.”

Despite their rich Olympic legacy, India have reached the World Cup podium only twice, finishing runners-up in 1973 and lifting their lone title in 1975 in Malaysia. Hendrickx believes the current Indian squad has the quality and belief to challenge that long wait.

Belgium, meanwhile, are also aiming high for the home World Cup. The Red Lions won the World Cup in 2018 and finished runners-up in the previous edition, but are currently navigating a transition phase.

“Our ambition is at least to win a medal. It’s our home World Cup and ideally we want to win it and celebrate with our fans,” said Hendrickx, who was Belgium’s top scorer at the Tokyo Olympics with 14 goals. “After the Olympics, a lot of experienced players stepped away and many young players came in, so the transition took a bit longer than expected. But it’s going well now.”

Belgium recently won the Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, defeating a second-string Indian side 1-0 in the final, a performance that has boosted Hendrickx’s confidence.

“The Euros weren’t great for us because for many players it was their first big tournament. But after Malaysia, I feel hopeful. The young players are developing fast and we played some really good hockey,” he said.

Hendrickx will also feature in the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers and is targeting a stronger season after the team finished sixth last time.

“We conceded too easily from penalty corners last year, but that has been fixed,” he said. “If we defend better and keep scoring the way we did, we can get a good result. The first goal is to reach the play-offs.”

Kalinga Lancers will begin their HIL campaign against Ranchi Royals in Chennai on January 4.