India Vs Pakistan Live Score, Men's Hockey World Cup: Anthems Done, Rivalry Begins As IND Start With Possession

The national anthems are done, the formalities are out of the way and the biggest rivalry in hockey is finally underway! Both teams have taken their positions on either side of the turf, and India have started with possession, looking to settle into the contest early. The opening exchanges will be crucial as both sides try to establish control and test each other’s defensive shape.

The wait is almost over! The blockbuster FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 clash is just moments away, with both coaches having shared their thoughts with the broadcaster ahead of the high-stakes encounter. The players are now preparing to make their way onto the turf, and the atmosphere inside the stadium is building rapidly.

It has been 16 years since the two arch-rivals last met at a Men’s Hockey World Cup. The previous encounter came in 2010 at New Delhi, where India produced a memorable performance in front of the home crowd and secured a 4-1 victory. The result remains one of the most significant World Cup wins in the rivalry and gives India a psychological edge heading into their latest meeting. Now, after more than a decade-and-a-half, the two sides are back on the biggest stage, with another chapter waiting to be written.

Pakistan XI: Abdullah Muhammad, Khan Sufyan, Shakeel Moin, Shahid Hannan, Hayat Zikria, Liaqat Arshad, Butt Ammad, Rehman Abdul, Mustafa Umar, Abu Mahmood (C), and Ali Raza (GK).

All eyes will be on whether the two teams follow the traditional pre-match handshake ritual before the first whistle. Hockey India has already indicated that it will continue to follow FIH guidelines, while players were also seen exchanging high-fives during recent meetings. However, once the game gets underway, the attention will quickly shift away from the pre-match formalities and onto the real battle on the turf, with both India and Pakistan fighting for a crucial result in this high-stakes World Cup clash.

Indian viewers can catch the India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup clash live on Star Sports, which holds the tournament’s television rights in India. The match will be available across the network’s SD and HD channels. For fans preferring digital coverage, the game will be streamed live on JioHotstar, allowing viewers to follow the action on the go. The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup is being broadcast in India through JioStar’s Star Sports network and JioHotstar platform.

The stage is set for another chapter in hockey’s biggest rivalry. India and Pakistan have faced each other 183 times in men’s international hockey, with Pakistan holding the overall edge with 82 wins, compared to India’s 69, while 32 matches have ended in draws.

When it comes to the FIH Hockey World Cup, the rivalry is much tighter. The two teams have met five times, with India winning three and Pakistan two. Their only World Cup final came in 1975, when India prevailed 2-1 to lift their maiden and only World Cup title.

Greetings, we are back with another live blog -- India vs Pakistan. Stay tuned for live updates.