England and Wales face each other in Pool D of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, alongside arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Both nations advanced through recent World Cup qualifiers, setting up a potentially explosive group stage. The Pool D matches will be contested at Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam during August's tournament, creating an immediate derby for both teams.

Ireland found themselves in Pool C with Australia, Spain and South Africa, while Scotland faces a challenging Pool B against world number two Argentina, Germany and the USA. Defending champions Germany will meet Belgium, France and Malaysia. England enters the tournament on strong form after recent victories over India and China in the World Cup qualifiers and FIH Pro League respectively.

The men's and women's tournaments run concurrently from 15-30 August across Netherlands and Belgium. England's women also landed in Pool D, facing China, India and South Africa. Fixture details will be announced on Wednesday, completing preparations for what promises to be an intensely competitive international hockey showcase with multiple derbies and traditional rivalries.