Sixteen men’s teams and sixteen women’s teams entered the Hockey World Cup 2026, but only a handful look built to go all the way. Here’s who to watch as the tournament shifts into its crossover stage.
## Germany
The defending men’s champions from 2023 remain the benchmark for tactical discipline and penalty-corner efficiency. Pool B, alongside co-hosts Belgium, was always going to be tight, and Germany’s title defence hinges on how they handle the crossover pools.
## Netherlands and Belgium
As co-hosts and reigning women’s champions respectively for the Dutch, both nations carry home advantage and deep talent pools. The Netherlands’ women, nine-time world champions, remain the standard every other team is chasing.
## India
Harmanpreet Singh’s men eliminated Pakistan 5-3 to reach the second round, full breakdown in our [match analysis](india-vs-pakistan-hockey-world-cup-2026-match-analysis), while the women’s team’s 6-1 win over South Africa was their biggest in World Cup history. Both squads are detailed in our [India squad guide](hockey-world-cup-2026-india-squad).
## Australia
The Kookaburras remain a perennial medal threat, drawn in a competitive Pool C alongside Spain, Ireland and South Africa.
## Why the new format changes everything
– No direct quarterfinals, teams move into crossover Pools E-H
– Results against common opponents carry forward
– Top two from Pools E and F advance straight to the semifinals
This structure rewards consistency over one-off knockout heroics, see our full explainer on the [new World Cup format](hockey-world-cup-2026-new-format-explained). For our early read on who ends up on the podium, check our [medal predictions](hockey-world-cup-2026-medal-predictions).