Hockey World Cup: India-Pakistan rivalry takes centre stage in must-win clash

India have overcome the late-game vulnerability that once hurt them against Pakistan and are now better equipped to handle their arch-rivals, former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said ahead of their World Cup clash in Amstelveen today.

The two-time Olympic bronze medallist believes improvements in fitness, strength, game awareness and decision-making have changed the dynamics of India-Pakistan encounters.

"Matches against Pakistan are not as tough as they used to be," Sreejesh told JioStar. "Conceding goals in the last quarter or final minutes used to be a problem for us, but that is no longer the case. Now, we are the ones scoring late to win matches."

India's most experienced player, Manpreet Singh, who has 419 caps, said his side would not underestimate Pakistan.

"The match against Pakistan will be good, but we are not underestimating them. They also have good drag-flickers, so we will have to avoid giving them penalty corners. We must also create opportunities and capitalise on them. We must focus on our natural game," Manpreet said.

Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood echoed the intensity surrounding the contest, insisting past records would have little relevance.

"Rankings or past performance don't matter in a match between India and Pakistan. The team that plays well on match day will win, and we know how important this match is for our hockey, so we will leave no stone unturned," he said.

The last World Cup meeting between the sides came in Delhi in 2010, when India won 4-1.

With only captain Mahmood and Ammad Butt having previous World Cup experience in Pakistan's squad, India will start as favourites but cannot afford complacency.

India have dominated recent meetings, defeating Pakistan 7-1 and 4-3 in the European leg of the Pro League earlier this year.

Pakistan's last win over India came in the 2016 Champions Trophy.

India have also won medals at the last two Olympics, while Pakistan are returning to the World Cup after eight years.

Yet the rivalry has historically produced matches where rankings and recent form count for little.

Pakistan drew 3-3 with Wales after losing 1-4 to England and will need a vastly improved performance to overcome their neighbours.

Their penalty-corner execution and defensive organisation have been inconsistent, while their preparations have also been far from ideal.

The four-time champions were embarrassed against England when their penalty-corner protection equipment was left in the dressing room.

India began their campaign with a 3-1 win over Wales before suffering a 2-4 defeat against world No. 3 England.

Defensive lapses and an ineffective penalty-corner conversion rate will be the major areas of concern for coach Craig Fulton, with India scoring only once from four penalty-corner opportunities against England.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.

India will look to extend their decade-long unbeaten run against Pakistan and seal a place in the second round of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup when the arch-rivals meet in a high-stakes Pool D clash today.

India, with three points from two matches, need at least a draw to progress, while Pakistan, on one point, must win to keep their campaign alive.

England have already qualified after winning both their matches.